sportskeeda
You might think that a visit to Liverpool is the last thing Pep Guardiola and Manchester City want right now.
However, that would be a misjudgment. This match—arguably the only one where few would wager on a City win—could be exactly what they require.
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After suffering five straight defeats, culminating in an extraordinary implosion from 3-0 ahead against Feyenoord earlier this week, City would genuinely be nervous about facing Ipswich or Leicester next.
Right now, their players appear visibly uneasy on the field, which is remarkable. It’s astonishing to see this after years of dominance.
Even though they have secured six titles under Guardiola, they have never managed a victory at Anfield in front of an intimidating crowd.
In the back of their minds, those players might be asking, “Why not now?”
A win away at Liverpool could dramatically shift the narrative around the team.
I’m certain the players are having frank discussions regarding the recent trials in the locker room.
The higher the stakes in football, the more fervent the locker room talks become.
Top players elevate themselves and their teammates because they consistently strive for excellence.
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It’s not about placing blame—it’s about being ruthlessly honest. That’s how to navigate through tough times.
Although there was genuine worry for Guardiola after he appeared notably frustrated on the sidelines during Tuesday’s 3-3 Champions League draw, there’s likely a part of him that’s reflecting, learning, and perhaps even enjoying this experience.
Guardiola left in disbelief as City squander 3-0 lead against Feyenoord
This is an unprecedented downturn for the City manager, and it’s during these moments you find out who you can genuinely rely on.
When a team is on a winning streak, as City has been for nearly eight years, discussions about morale or cohesion hardly arise. It’s evident that City feels the absence of Rodri; his loss is impacting the team’s performance.
Nonetheless, to claim that the loss of one player could have such a significant fallout, considering their roster brimming with world-class talent, simply doesn’t hold water.
Many of the theories trying to rationalize City’s decline must be misguided.
For example, proposing that the team is too old doesn’t hold when they weren’t seen as too old while securing a fourth consecutive title just months ago.
The truth is they have undergone an unsuccessful recruitment process over the past couple of years.
Ilkay Gundogan was a club legend, but trying to convince him to return after he expressed a desire to leave was counterproductive.
The current predicament will undoubtedly entertain many within the footballing arena.
Numerous coaches and players might be thinking, “Welcome to our reality.”
They might reflect, “Welcome to the disarray and absurdity.”
This disarray and absurdity commonly arise when teams lose multiple matches consecutively, generating a sense of panic.
At this juncture, even a squad as gifted as City must concentrate on the basics—putting in maximum effort, winning duels, and making clearances.
It was the failure to perform these very essentials that permitted Feyenoord to launch a comeback on Tuesday.
For a long stretch, once City took the lead, opponents would capitulate. Now, they even believe they have a chance when they find themselves trailing 3-0.
Liverpool currently possesses an eight-point advantage at the top of the Premier League and boasts an impeccable record in the Champions League, having recently defeated reigning champions Real Madrid.
They’ve never been such clear favorites against Guardiola’s City—and that’s exactly why the visitors will be eager for this encounter.
