Sport
PRESSURE ON PEP – CITY’S WINLESS RUN EXTENDS TO FIVE GAMES
Who’d have thought it? Pep Guardiola, otherwise known as The Messiah, has failed to win each of his last five games in charge of Manchester City after beginning his tenure at the Etihad Stadium with ten consecutive victories.
While it may be too early to suggest that City are in crisis, they are certainly in a slump and Pep is already facing questions over whether his style and methods can work in the Premier League.
City were easy on the eye in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton but they were nowhere near their clinical best. In recent weeks, Sergio Aguero has been starved of clear-cut opportunities; and he has failed to add to his remarkable tally of 11 goals so far this season.
Unfortunately for Pep, playing attractive football doesn’t guarantee results – especially in the Premier League. Southampton came with a game plan to stifle City’s potent offensive unit and it worked; hats off to Saints boss Claude Puel for adjusting to the English game so quickly.
For the second time this week, Guardiola rightfully came under criticism for his refusal to change and adapt his tactics; and City’s lack of a Plan B was apparent throughout. Firstly, Claudio Bravo’s error at the Camp Nou cost the Blues any chance of getting back into the game before John Stones’ mistake gifted Southampton the opening goal once again.
Worryingly, City have now conceded the opening goal in each of their last five games – and the Blues haven’t managed to respond and win any of them. In years gone by, Sir Alex Ferguson worked wonders on the red half of the city; leading United to near-on impossible victories from precarious-looking positions.
Guardiola has to find that ‘bounce-back-ability’ if he wants to enjoy a long-term career in England’s top flight. The Spaniard is blessed with talent at City but they cannot cruise to three or four goal victories every time they step onto the field – the Blues must learn to show their mettle.
It doesn’t get much easier for Pep as he looks to end this torrid run. An EFL Cup clash with arch-rivals United and another trip to Old Trafford beckons – although the Blues will take plenty of encouragement from their 2-1 victory over the Reds in September.
Furthermore, Jose Mourinho’s men are going through a difficult spell themselves and Pep would love nothing more than to pile the misery further on the Portuguese’s shoulders. But with United also in dire need of a morale-boosting win, City could be set for a much tougher encounter this time around.
At the end of the day, Pep’s standing at City won’t be affected too much if they lost to United but some supporters are already beginning to lose patience with the regime. Boos were clearly heard following the 1-1 draw with Southampton and Pep’s arrogance and refusal to budge on his tactics could hinder his relationship with the City fans if their poor run of form continues.
For most, City are just having a minor blip – Pep Guardiola will come good. He HAS to come good. Otherwise, City could well miss out on another Premier League title despite spending approximately £174 million this summer and that simply isn’t good enough…
