The Crazy Downfall of Manchester City in 2024: An Era on the Brink?

Understanding the dramatic downfall of Manchester City in the 2024/25 season. From recruitment failures to aging players and tactical flaws, we analyze the root causes and potential solutions for Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.

Manchester City, a team that once reigned supreme in English and European football, is witnessing a dramatic decline that few could have foreseen. A treble-winning side just last season, the club’s struggles this year have sent shockwaves through the footballing world. From tactical mishaps to aging players, the current season has been a nightmare for the Sky Blues, leaving fans and pundits questioning how a team of such caliber could unravel so rapidly.

A Fall from Grace

Manchester City’s dominance in football over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Winning six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, the club set the benchmark for success and consistency. However, the 2024/25 season has exposed cracks in the empire. Currently sitting 11 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and even trailing Brighton in the standings, City’s title challenge has fizzled out weeks before Christmas. A shocking statistic: they have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, a feat unimaginable for a Guardiola-led team.

Their Carabao Cup exit against Tottenham and a crushing 2-0 defeat at Anfield are emblematic of their struggles. The loss to Liverpool, while less shocking compared to defeats against the likes of Bournemouth and Brighton, highlighted a team bereft of confidence and tactical cohesion. Guardiola’s subdued demeanor on the touchline during the Anfield match, where he famously gestured his six Premier League titles in response to taunts, further hinted at a manager who seems resigned to his team’s fate.

Key Issues Behind the Downfall of Manchester City

The question on everyone’s mind is simple: what went wrong? Several factors have contributed to Manchester City’s rapid downturn, each compounding the other to create a perfect storm of failure.

1. The Rodri Conundrum

Rodri has been the linchpin of City’s midfield, orchestrating play and providing defensive stability. However, a season-ending injury to the Spanish maestro has left a gaping hole in City’s setup. While Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva have been deployed in his stead, neither possesses the physicality or tactical acumen to fill Rodri’s shoes. The lack of a backup for such a crucial role points to a severe oversight in City’s squad planning. Guardiola’s system heavily relies on a strong midfield pivot, and Rodri’s absence has disrupted the team’s rhythm both offensively and defensively.

2. Recruitment Failures

City’s recent transfer dealings have been questionable at best. The signing of Kalvin Phillips, intended to bolster the midfield, has been a glaring misstep. Phillips has struggled to adapt to Guardiola’s demands, and his lack of impact has left City short-staffed in midfield. Furthermore, the failure to replace key players like Ilkay Gündoğan and Joao Cancelo has exacerbated the team’s struggles.

Cancelo’s departure left a void in the full-back position, forcing Pep Guardiola to rely on makeshift solutions. Without a natural left-back of Cancelo’s caliber, City’s defense has appeared disjointed. Similarly, the decision to sell Julian Alvarez without securing a backup striker has left the team overly reliant on Erling Haaland. Injuries to alternative attacking options have exposed City’s lack of depth in forward areas.

3. Aging Core

Every dominant team eventually faces the challenge of an aging squad, and City is no exception. Players like Kyle Walker, a mainstay in City’s defense for years, are showing signs of decline. Walker’s diminishing pace and defensive lapses have been costly, and his off-field distractions have further compounded the issue. Guardiola’s reluctance to fully transition to younger options like Rico Lewis has left the team stuck between eras, unable to fully rejuvenate.

4. Tactical Vulnerabilities

Guardiola’s tactical genius has been the cornerstone of City’s success. However, this season, his strategies have come under scrutiny. Opponents have begun to exploit City’s high defensive line and lack of physicality in midfield. The game against Liverpool is a case in point, where City struggled to deal with Virgil van Dijk’s aerial dominance at set-pieces. Moreover, teams like Brighton and Bournemouth have shown that pressing City aggressively can force errors and disrupt their rhythm.

5. Mental and Physical Fatigue

Winning three major trophies in a single season is an incredible achievement, but it also takes a toll on players. City’s relentless pursuit of success over the past years has led to physical and mental exhaustion. The team that once played with relentless intensity now appears sluggish and uninspired. Guardiola himself, known for his high-energy coaching, seems to be feeling the strain, as evidenced by his subdued behavior on the sidelines.

The Consequences of Decline

The implications of City’s current struggles extend beyond this season. For a club with aspirations of global dominance, such a sharp downturn is a significant setback. Financially, missing out on crucial silverware could impact revenue streams, including sponsorships and prize money. Moreover, the decline has raised questions about Guardiola’s future. While his legacy at City is secure, another trophyless season could force the club to consider its long-term direction.

The Road to Redemption

Despite the gloom surrounding the Etihad, all hope is not lost. Guardiola has proven time and again that he is a master at reinventing teams. However, for City to turn things around, several changes are necessary.

1. January Transfers

The upcoming transfer window is crucial for City. Addressing the midfield imbalance should be a top priority. While finding a Rodri-like replacement is challenging, securing a defensive-minded midfielder would provide stability. Additionally, reinforcing the full-back and striker positions is imperative to add depth and versatility.

2. Embracing Youth

City’s academy is brimming with talent, and Guardiola must place greater trust in young players. Rico Lewis, for instance, has shown promise at right-back and could provide the energy and dynamism the team sorely lacks. Similarly, integrating younger attacking options could alleviate the burden on Haaland.

3. Tactical Adjustments

Guardiola’s brilliance lies in his adaptability. Tweaking the system to accommodate the current squad’s strengths and weaknesses could yield immediate results. This might involve a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity rather than expansive attacking play.

4. Rebuilding Confidence

The psychological aspect cannot be overlooked. Rebuilding team morale and confidence is as crucial as tactical adjustments. Guardiola’s man-management skills will be put to the test as he seeks to rally his players and instill belief in their abilities.

Is This the End of an Era?

While the current season paints a bleak picture, declaring the end of City’s dominance might be premature. Football is cyclical, and even the greatest teams face periods of transition. What sets champions apart is their ability to rise from adversity. Manchester City has the resources, talent, and managerial expertise to bounce back. Whether they do so will depend on how they navigate the remainder of the season and address their underlying issues.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s decline has been as sudden as it has been shocking. From tactical flaws to recruitment missteps and aging players, the challenges are manifold. However, Guardiola and his team have shown resilience in the past, and with the right changes, they could yet reclaim their place at the summit of football. For now, though, the treble-winning giants of yesteryear find themselves in unfamiliar territory, battling to stay relevant in a season where their supremacy has been called into question.