Having not finished below second place since Pep Guardiola’s debut season, Manchester City’s recent results have naturally stunned fans and pundits alike.
Jamie Carragher ruled Manchester City out from winning the Premier League title this campaign after they lost 2-0 against Liverpool on Sunday.
Gary Neville discussed Manchester City’s struggles by stressing that they look like they have declined and it would be Pep Guardiola’s “greatest-ever title” triumph if they manage to get over the line this season.
Didi Hamann stated Guardiola looks hopeless for the first time in his career as the legendary manager seems unable to turn this City side’s fortunes around.
Pep Guardiola has isolated himself behind closed doors in an effort to break down why his Sky Blues side have lost six and drawn one out of their last seven games in all competitions.
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While Manchester City would be expected to return to winning ways against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium, it would also not be a surprise if they dropped more points.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on Dec...
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Man City regret not rebuilding squad due to Guardiola concern
Pep Guardiola’s prediction about Manchester City is that they will start to put wins together in their upcoming list of fixtures.
But only time will tell whether the Catalan is proven right as for the first time in years, this City side look human like the rest of their competitors in the Premier League.
The Athletic have reported that Manchester City regret not having initiated a squad rebuild in the summer of 2024 and choosing to undertake such an overhaul at the same time next year; a decision they took as Pep Guardiola’s future was uncertain before his contract extension until 2026 in November.
Guardiola felt that his presence should not push City to invest heavily in what could have been his final season at the Etihad Stadium until his future was resolved which has led to their crisis in form — with the club spending an initial £21 million being Savinho’s transfer cost while Ilkay Gundogan returned to the club on a free as their only signings.
The decision-makers at Manchester City feel that they have to take practical instead of sentimental decisions, especially over the futures of senior players like Kevin De Bruyne (33), Kyle Walker (34), Ederson (30) Moraes and Jack Grealish (29).
Manchester City’s contract situation is such that several players are nearing the end of their deals, including Walker, Grealish and Ederson, whose deals run out in 2026 while De Bruyne’s ends in the summer.
The Sky Blues captain, in particular has been identified as a player that the club should have moved on earlier.
Man City hand Pep Guardiola £200 million January transfer warchest
A report by the Daily Star has revealed that Manchester City have provided Pep Guardiola with a whopping £200 million budget in January to reinforce the squad.
It has emerged that initially, the plan at City was to equip Guardiola with £100 million to spend on potential transfers in the winter window.
However, Manchester City’s string of disappointing results has prompted the club to double the budget on bolstering their ranks.
The report states that City’s transfer wish list ahead of the January window involves names like Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Bruno Guimaraes.
It was speculated in October that Pep Guardiola wished for Manchester City’s support in the transfer market to back his ambition as one of his main priorities.
City seem to be reciprocating Guardiola’s desire to help the club rediscover their incredible heights.
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