Manchester City’s struggles are deeper than just injuries, with a concerning loss of confidence affecting their performance. Following a heavy defeat to Tottenham on November 23, 2024, which marked their fifth consecutive loss, manager Pep Guardiola admitted the team’s fragility. The loss ended their two-year unbeaten run at the Etihad and left them vulnerable in the title race, especially if Liverpool wins their upcoming matches, including the showdown at Anfield.
While injuries have been a consistent problem, with key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden missing significant time, the impact on City’s performances goes beyond just the players on the sidelines. Guardiola has had to field out-of-form players in unfamiliar roles, further disrupting the team’s rhythm. With 15 of his 21 available players missing at some point this season, City’s depth has been severely tested, leaving them exposed defensively.
Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol, who have been crucial in filling gaps, have played far more than expected, which has begun to show in their performances, with both making costly mistakes in recent matches. Haaland, the team’s top scorer, has also struggled, with his goal-scoring rate dropping, and City’s reliance on him has become too apparent. When Haaland doesn’t score, City falters, as their attack lacks diversity and depth.
The team’s fragile mental state is perhaps the most worrying development. Guardiola’s comments about their vulnerability suggest that, for the first time in years, City are not reacting to adversity in the usual dominant fashion. Kyle Walker’s remarks about the need for a return to basics reflect a deeper issue—City are no longer able to rely on their defensive solidity and team mentality.
This loss of confidence is worrying because it threatens to undermine City’s reputation as a formidable force. In previous seasons, they would often bounce back from setbacks, but now, rivals, particularly Liverpool fans, are starting to perceive them as a team with cracks in their armor. Guardiola has been questioned about the end of City’s “era,” and while it’s premature to declare it over, this shift in mentality could have long-term implications for the team’s chances of success, especially if they cannot reclaim their confidence.
In short, the issue is not just the absence of key players but a deeper crisis of mentality and belief that has allowed their rivals to sense an opportunity. For City to get back to winning ways, they will need to restore the aura of invincibility that has long defined their success.
