Richard Keys has claimed that he’s seen something from Pep Guardiola that could be causing problems for Manchester City’s players.
The Citizens began the Premier League season on a high note after a big summer on the transfer front as they made light work of Wolves in their opener.
However, Manchester City lost their following two games, leaving them 13th in the table going into the September international break.
Richard Keys gave his brutally honest verdict on City’s current situation and how their problems “run far deeper”.
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Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Richard Keys claims Manchester City players may be ‘bored’ of Pep Guardiola
Keys began by effectively saying “I told you so” when he said City’s problems last season weren’t just because Rodri was missing.
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He then claimed that, while Pep Guardiola has plenty of time to sort things out, he doesn’t feel like the Spaniard will do so, because he looks “tired” and “bored”.
Keys wrote on his website: “I told you the problems at City run far deeper than just missing Rodri. He was back Sunday of course, yet City still looked miles off.
“They’re going to. One player wasn’t going to turn them into title challengers. And him missing last season wasn’t the reason they were so poor.
There’s plenty of time for Guardiola to sort things out, but I’ll say again – I’m not sure he can – or will. I think he looks tired. I think he looks bored.
“And I think his players might just be bored of him. They perhaps want to hear a new voice around the place.”
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What Pep Guardiola has said about his future at Manchester City
Last season, Guardiola penned a contract extension that will extend his time at Man City until the summer of 2027.
However, Guardiola has suggested that he could extend his time at the Etihad further as he remains tight-lipped over when he will actually leave.
Guardiola recently told Men In Blazers that he will leave City at some point and take a break, but for the time being he says he feels “fine”.
Contrary to Keys’ comments, Guardiola said the atmosphere at City’s training ground is very positive, and suggested there is a hunger to right the wrongs of last season.