Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces a pivotal moment in his tenure, with calls for significant changes to his squad following a string of disappointing performances. As City finds themselves in the midst of an alarming slump, the spotlight has intensified on several veteran players who may be nearing the end of their time at the Etihad. According to football journalist Henry Winter, writing for talkSPORT, Guardiola must make tough decisions and show a ruthless streak to prevent a prolonged decline that could jeopardize City’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.
A Tough Season for City
The latest setback for Manchester City came in a humbling defeat at Anfield, where they were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool. The 2-0 loss could have been far worse had Liverpool been more clinical in front of goal. This defeat marks City’s sixth loss in their last seven matches, a shocking downturn for a team that, just a few months ago, was heralded as one of the most formidable sides in world football. Their only recent positive result—a Champions League draw against Feyenoord—also exposed defensive frailties, as they squandered a three-goal lead to settle for a point.
The Rodri Factor
Undoubtedly, the injury to star midfielder Rodri has had a significant impact on City’s form. The Spaniard, sidelined with a serious ACL injury, has been the lynchpin of Guardiola’s system, and his absence has left a gaping hole in midfield. However, Winter argues that Rodri’s injury cannot solely explain City’s woes. The deeper issue lies in the aging core of the squad, where once-reliable veterans are now struggling to keep pace with the physical demands of top-flight football.
Winter’s Call for Change
In his column, Winter did not mince words about what needs to happen. “From Invincibles to Invisibles,” he wrote, suggesting that the current crop of players should feel embarrassed by their recent performances. He emphasized that Guardiola must revamp the squad with fresh talent to rejuvenate a side that looks increasingly lethargic. According to Winter, three players, in particular, should be considered for an exit: Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündogan, and Bernardo Silva.
Veteran Underperformance
Kyle Walker, now 34, has long been a cornerstone of City’s defense, known for his pace and reliability. However, his recent performances have drawn criticism. Winter highlighted Walker’s role in Liverpool’s opening goal, pointing out that he was nowhere to be found when Mohamed Salah crossed for Cody Gakpo to score. “Where was Kyle Walker? Wrong postcode,” Winter quipped, underscoring the defender’s failure to track back.
Ilkay Gündogan’s situation is similarly precarious. The German midfielder, also 34, rejoined City last summer on a one-year deal with an option for an additional year. However, he has struggled to make an impact since his return from Barcelona. Winter suggested that activating the extension would be a mistake, given Gündogan’s current form and the need for younger, more dynamic midfield options.
Bernardo Silva, at 30, is the youngest of the trio but has also come under scrutiny. Despite being a technically gifted player, Silva has faced criticism for his leadership—or lack thereof. Winter pointed to an incident during the Liverpool match where Silva, Walker, and Rico Lewis chose to argue with officials at halftime instead of rallying their teammates. “They should have saved their breath for calling some of their teammates out,” Winter wrote, indicating a lack of accountability within the squad.
Leadership Void
The absence of strong leadership has been a recurring theme in City’s recent struggles. With Walker serving as captain, his inability to inspire the team during challenging moments has raised questions about his suitability for the role. Guardiola has always emphasized the importance of leadership on and off the pitch, and the current vacuum in this area has undoubtedly contributed to City’s downturn.
Looking Ahead: Potential Transfers
Winter’s call for fresh blood aligns with speculation about City’s activity in the upcoming transfer windows. Reports suggest that Guardiola is eyeing reinforcements, particularly in the left-back position. According to TBR Football, City scouts recently watched Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolves and Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth. Both players have impressed this season, with Kerkez notably contributing two assists in Bournemouth’s victory over City in November.
Erling Haaland Under Pressure
City’s struggles have also put pressure on star striker Erling Haaland. Pundit Jamie Carragher, known for his sharp wit, took a dig at Haaland’s performance against Liverpool, likening him to his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, who was also a professional footballer but never reached the heights of his son. “Virgil van Dijk made Erling Haaland look like Alf-Inge Haaland,” Carragher remarked, highlighting the Norwegian’s difficulties against top-tier defenders.
Guardiola’s Challenge
For Guardiola, the challenge is clear: he must make tough decisions to rejuvenate his squad and restore City to their former glory. This will likely involve parting ways with some long-serving players who have contributed significantly to the club’s success but are now past their prime. Bringing in younger, hungrier players will be essential to maintaining the high standards that Guardiola demands.
As City navigates this transitional period, the decisions made in the coming months could determine whether they continue to compete at the highest level or risk slipping into mediocrity. Guardiola’s legacy at the club depends not just on past achievements but on his ability to adapt and rebuild for the future.