Manchester City find themselves in the worst run of form since Pep Guardiola took over at the Etihad Stadium.
A team that has enjoyed near-unprecedented success for years now finds itself wondering whether they can win any trophies at all this term.
Man City are eight points off the Premier League summit, out of the Carabao Cup, and risk elimination from the Champions League at the group stage.
On Wednesday night, the Citizens fell to a dismal 2-0 defeat at Juventus, and many of the visiting side’s players were well below par.
For instance, Erling Haaland was criticised by the Italian media after the game, with one outlet deeming him “unrecognisable”.
However, there were a few positives from Man City, and the Italian press was eager to sing the praises of one of their better players.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester...
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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The player in question is Ilkay Gundogan, who gave a good account of himself in Turin despite many of his teammates struggling.
Sport Mediaset gave Gundogan a 7 out of 10 and wrote: ‘The point of reference for all of Manchester City’s play. In Rodri’s absence, he takes on all the responsibility of the build-up.
‘His age makes him less dynamic than the Spaniard but he is also mature enough to fill the role. Always an exceptional player who sometimes preaches in the desert.’
Meanwhile, Virgilio gave Gundogan a 6.5 and listed him as their top Man City player on the night, writing: ‘The man who puts the most energy into it, the soul of the team.’
Likewise, Calciomercato.it gave the Man City midfielder a 6.5 out of 10 and wrote: The mind and compass of the English, but it’s not enough to avoid another beating for Guardiola.
‘He creates chance after chance and slams one under the crossbar: only a sensational Di Gregorio stifles his celebrations.’
Man City in need of major revamp
Sadly, it looks as though Man City are at the end of an era and in need of a major revamp over the next two or three transfer windows.
Although Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne were two of the better players on the night, both are now heading into their mid-thirties.
Obviously Man City are not down and out just yet. They can still make the Champions League playoffs and the title race is still in its infancy.
However, it’s clear to see that the competition has got stronger, while Man City are getting weaker.
Therefore, this is something that will need to be addressed by the club’s hierarchy in the months to come.
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