Manchester City, reigning champions, appear increasingly focused on presentation and optics while fundamental footballing principles seem to be neglected. This duality was evident in their recent match, which began with an elaborate celebration for Rodri, newly crowned the world’s best player, and ended in a humiliating 4-0 defeat at home a result not seen in over two decades.
The defeat wasn’t a shock to anyone following City’s performances of late. This marked their fifth consecutive loss, with recurring patterns of vulnerability emerging in their play. Opponents aren’t winning by luck but by being bolder, more cohesive, and better prepared, both physically and mentally.
A glaring issue is City’s defensive fragility, especially against counterattacks. It’s not just a tactical failing but an overall lack of intensity and awareness. Efforts to regain possession seem half-hearted, defensive positioning appears disjointed, and critical duels are often lost. These aren’t isolated incidents; they reflect a collective malaise.
The absence of Rodri, as influential as he is, doesn’t fully explain the cracks in midfield and defense. The first goal exemplified this: Ilkay Gündogan failed to track James Maddison, passing the responsibility with a gesture rather than acting decisively. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol allowed Dejan Kulusevski too much room, while the central defense struggled to organize under pressure. The buildup to the second and third goals was similarly disorganized, with misplaced passes, untracked runs, and players failing to cover for each other.
This lack of responsibility is evident throughout the team. Players seem to rely on their teammates to make up for their lapses, leading to a cascade of errors. Erling Haaland’s recent struggles in front of goal further highlight the collective dip in form. Despite consistently creating high-quality chances, his finishing has been uncharacteristically poor, contributing to the team’s decline in attacking potency.
City’s current form raises critical questions. Is this the beginning of the end for their dominance, or merely a temporary dip in what has otherwise been a glittering campaign? Guardiola remains confident in his team’s ability to recover, pointing to their historical resilience. Yet the repeated nature of these issues suggests deeper structural concerns rather than an isolated slump.
The club’s focus on its image and narrative has grown increasingly prominent. Celebrations, documentaries, and media narratives emphasize their achievements, often at the expense of addressing present challenges. While projecting confidence and showcasing past triumphs are important, they cannot replace the hard work required to maintain excellence on the pitch.
This emphasis on appearance was underlined by the announcement of Guardiola’s new contract at a time of poor results, signaling more concern with optics than timing. Similarly, the extravagant Ballon d’Or celebration immediately before a crucial league game raised questions about priorities. These symbolic gestures might inspire fans momentarily, but they don’t address the underlying footballing issues.
City’s players and coaching staff need to rediscover their hunger and focus. Their dominance was built on a foundation of relentless effort, tactical innovation, and individual accountability. These elements now seem dulled by overconfidence and a preoccupation with sustaining their image.
This period is a test of character and adaptability. Guardiola has historically been a master of reinvention, but his players must rise to the occasion. They need to show a willingness to adapt, commit to fundamentals, and move beyond reliance on individual brilliance. Whether City emerges from this slump stronger or continues to flounder will depend on their ability to reconnect with the values that made them champions.
