Pep Guardiola Sack? Fans Speak Out as Sir Alex Comparison is Made and Man City Crisis Deepens
As Manchester City’s underwhelming season continues to unfold, the question on many football fans’ lips is whether Pep Guardiola’s tenure at the helm is under threat. The club, which has been an unstoppable force in the Premier League for much of the past decade, is now facing a crisis that has left fans and pundits alike speculating about the future of their legendary manager. The recent wave of disappointing performances has led to increased scrutiny, and some are even making comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s later years at Manchester United, when even his legendary status couldn’t shield him from the pressures of delivering results. Is it possible that Guardiola, too, could be on the verge of being sacked?
Guardiola has enjoyed an extraordinary career at Manchester City. Since taking over in 2016, the Spanish tactician has revolutionized the team, guiding them to four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and multiple domestic trophies. His tactical brilliance and the consistent excellence of his players have made City one of the most dominant clubs in Europe, with Guardiola often hailed as one of the best managers of his generation. However, the 2024-2025 season has been a much different story.
City’s form has been erratic, with the team dropping points in key fixtures, struggling to break down defensive teams, and showing signs of fatigue. Their inconsistency has left them trailing in the title race, far behind their archrivals, and the once-unstoppable juggernaut now seems vulnerable. What’s more, the alarming trend of underperformance has continued even in high-profile matches, something that has raised doubts over the team’s ability to maintain their lofty standards. Guardiola’s usual calm and strategic mind has been questioned, with critics suggesting that his decisions, whether tactical or personal, are no longer working in the club’s favor.
The comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s later years at Manchester United have been particularly poignant. Ferguson, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, endured a series of tough seasons toward the end of his reign. While his success during his early years at United was unparalleled, the last few seasons were marked by underwhelming performances and challenges that tested even his legendary ability to motivate players and win trophies. Despite his immense status and the respect he commanded within the club, Ferguson’s inability to adapt quickly enough in the changing football landscape ultimately led to his retirement in 2013.
Now, with Guardiola’s City struggling, some fans and pundits have begun to make similar comparisons. The argument is not about whether Guardiola is a great manager—few would dispute that—but about whether his ability to manage the evolving dynamics of modern football is starting to wane. The tactical flexibility that made him so successful at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and later at Manchester City, is being questioned. Critics have pointed to his rigid insistence on particular systems, which have sometimes left City vulnerable to teams that set up to counteract their possession-heavy style.
A growing number of fans have taken to social media and forums to voice their concerns. While many remain loyal to Guardiola, calling for patience and understanding, others are starting to express doubts. “We’ve had the best years in club history under Pep, but this season feels different,” one fan tweeted. “His tactics are too predictable, and the players don’t look as motivated. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about a change.” Another user commented, “This is starting to feel like the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at United—too many excuses and not enough results.”
The notion of sacking Guardiola is still a distant thought for some, especially considering his monumental successes at the club. Manchester City’s ownership, led by Sheikh Mansour and the City Football Group, has been notoriously patient with their managers. Their long-term approach has been focused on sustained success rather than knee-jerk reactions. The appointment of Guardiola itself was a statement of intent, and his ability to transform the club into a European powerhouse is not something to overlook lightly. However, the question is whether the club will stick with their philosophy of patience if the underperformance continues.
Guardiola, for his part, has expressed his belief that he can turn things around. In recent press conferences, he has remained defiant, stating that he is confident in his methods and his players. “We’ve been here before,” he said after one particularly disappointing loss. “We’ve had seasons where we struggled and came back stronger. I believe in my squad, and I believe in the work we are doing.” But even his staunchest supporters are starting to wonder if those words are enough to stave off the growing pressure.
The nature of modern football means that clubs, particularly those with the financial clout of Manchester City, expect instant results. The luxury of time is something that most top managers don’t enjoy anymore, and Guardiola’s repeated failure to find the right formula this season may be pushing him closer to the hot seat. Even though City remains a talented side with players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish, the team’s overall cohesion and edge seem to be lacking. Guardiola’s influence has undoubtedly shaped many of these players into superstars, but as this season has shown, it may not be enough to carry them through another underwhelming campaign.
While the media’s coverage of the situation has been relentless, the club itself has remained silent regarding any potential moves to dismiss Guardiola. It’s unlikely that the owners will take drastic action without carefully considering all options. Still, the pressure is mounting, and every passing match adds to the intensity of the situation. With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, City cannot afford to slip any further if they hope to remain a competitive force on the European stage. If Guardiola cannot regain control and return the team to its winning ways, the board may have no choice but to rethink their options.
The comparisons to Ferguson’s final years are especially significant because they highlight the delicate balance between being a managerial legend and facing the harsh realities of modern football. Ferguson had the support of United’s hierarchy for many years, but when the results no longer came, the writing was on the wall. Guardiola may find himself facing a similar dilemma if the results continue to falter.
For now, Manchester City fans find themselves at a crossroads. Many believe in Guardiola and hope that he can turn things around, while others are starting to question whether a fresh approach is necessary. As the season progresses, the club’s fortunes may well determine whether Pep Guardiola’s legendary tenure will continue or if it’s time for a new chapter in City’s history. One thing is certain, though: if the current crisis deepens, the pressure on the Catalan manager will only grow, and the comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years may become even more poignant.