What’s Happening to Manchester City? A Deep Dive into Their Recent Struggles

 Manchester City, the footballing giant managed by Pep Guardiola, has long been a dominant force in both English and European football. However, the 2024-2025 season has been a turbulent one for the club, marked by a series of unexpected defeats and an overall decline in performance. The team, once renowned for their stylish football and tactical precision, has found themselves losing matches that would have been inconceivable in previous seasons. But what exactly is happening to Manchester City? Why are they struggling? And how does Pep Guardiola seem to be handling it? In this article, we’ll explore the recent problems facing the team, analyze the reasons behind their struggles, and consider what they need to do to finish the season on a positive note.

Recent Performances: A Steep Decline

Over the past few weeks, Manchester City has suffered a number of defeats that have put their position in the Premier League under threat. On February 23, 2025, the team faced a 0-2 loss at home against Liverpool—a match where their performance was below par, both tactically and in terms of individual efforts. This defeat was especially worrying considering Liverpool has been a direct rival, and playing at home, City fans expected a strong showing.

Just a few weeks earlier, on February 15, 2025, City suffered an even more devastating defeat: a 1-5 loss to Arsenal. This was perhaps one of the most troubling results of the season, highlighting serious defensive vulnerabilities and exposing how uncharacteristically poor City was in maintaining possession. Their inability to cope with Arsenal's high press was evident throughout the match, leaving City unable to mount any effective challenges.

To make matters worse, on February 2, 2025, they were defeated 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur. In that match, City struggled to break down Spurs’ defensive structure and lacked creativity in the attacking third. The loss highlighted their recent difficulties in offensive transitions and tactical flexibility. These results have led to a noticeable drop in form and raised questions about the direction the team is heading.

Possession Issues and Defensive Fragility

One of the cornerstones of Manchester City's success under Guardiola has been their possession-based style of play. City was once known for dominating possession in nearly every match, controlling the tempo and dictating the flow of the game. However, recent matches have shown a sharp decline in this aspect. In the loss to Tottenham, for instance, City had just 45% possession, a far cry from their usual dominance. Against Arsenal, the story was similar—City could not maintain possession long enough to sustain attacking pressure, and they were punished for it.

Alongside the possession struggles, the defensive side of the game has been a major concern. Manchester City has conceded 37 goals in the Premier League this season, which is a significant departure from their usual defensive solidity. Players like Ruben Dias, who has been a pillar of City's defense in recent years, have made uncharacteristic mistakes that have led directly to goals. The high defensive line that Guardiola has employed has been exposed time and again by fast counter-attacks, and the team's inability to recover quickly has cost them dearly.

Player Performances: Inconsistencies and Uncertainty

In terms of individual performances, a number of key players have not lived up to their usual high standards. Kevin De Bruyne, arguably one of the best midfielders in the world, has been inconsistent of late. His trademark vision and creativity have been missing in important moments, and his influence on the game has been much less profound than in previous seasons.

Jack Grealish has also struggled. Though he shows moments of brilliance, he has not been able to produce consistently at the level expected of him, especially in high-pressure games. On the defensive side, Ruben Dias’ recent performances have left a lot to be desired, as mistakes and lapses in concentration have contributed to City’s defensive woes.

However, not all has been negative. Erling Haaland has continued to score goals and has been one of the few bright spots in City’s attack. His finish against Tottenham was a reminder of his clinical ability. Likewise, Jeremy Doku has shown impressive form, using his pace and skill to stretch opposition defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities. These players, along with others, remain the pillars around which City can hope to build their recovery.

Pep Guardiola’s State of Mind: A Manager in Crisis?

For Pep Guardiola, the pressure is mounting. Known for his meticulous preparation and intensity, Guardiola’s usual self-assurance appears to be faltering. His post-match comments have been less motivational, often leaning towards frustration and disappointment. In interviews after recent losses, Guardiola has emphasized the need for improvement but has stopped short of offering the type of rallying cry that fans and players alike are used to hearing from him.

This shift in Guardiola’s demeanor could be a reflection of his frustration with the current state of the team. A manager who once seemed unshakeable in his belief and confidence now appears to be grappling with questions about his team’s form and the tactical decisions he is making. The relationship between manager and player is always complex, but from an outsider’s perspective, it seems that the confidence that once permeated City’s dressing room might now be wavering.

The Road Ahead: What Needs to Change?

If Manchester City is to salvage their season, there are several areas that need urgent attention. First and foremost, their defensive frailties must be addressed. The high defensive line and reliance on possession are all well and good, but without the ability to defend against fast transitions and high presses, City will continue to lose ground against top opponents. Guardiola needs to rework his tactics to ensure that his defense is more compact and that his team can handle counter-attacks more effectively.

In terms of personnel, players like De Bruyne, Grealish, and Dias need to step up. These players have been key to Manchester City's success in recent years, and their current form is simply not good enough. Guardiola will need to get the best out of these players, as well as encourage the likes of Haaland and Doku to continue their positive contributions.

Moreover, Guardiola himself must regain his usual poise and belief. The manager’s confidence is contagious, and if he remains unsure, that sentiment could spread throughout the squad. His tactical adjustments and mental resilience will be key to City’s recovery.

Conclusion: What Does the Future Hold for Manchester City?

The road ahead for Manchester City is certainly not an easy one. With several crucial matches left in the season, they will need to find their rhythm quickly if they hope to secure a top-four finish and qualify for next season's Champions League. Their tactical setup, player performances, and Guardiola’s leadership will all play crucial roles in determining their fate.

Manchester City has been a powerhouse for so long that this rough patch may simply be a temporary blip. However, how they respond to these challenges will define the rest of their season. With key fixtures against top rivals on the horizon, City must regroup, adapt, and quickly regain their confidence if they are to avoid slipping further down the table. Time will tell if they can rediscover their form and finish the season on a high note.