Football Daily Can Manchester City get back to the top?
Aug 13, 2025
Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, Guillem Balague, a renowned football expert and author, and former City captain Steph Houghton delve into the challenges facing Manchester City this season. They explore Pep Guardiola's determination to rejuvenate the team after a tough campaign and discuss the club’s shifting dynamics amid ongoing financial allegations. The trio also debates recent player movements, including Jack Grealish's exit, and the prospects for Phil Foden and Rodri in a transforming squad.
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Rodri Revealed A Structural Midfield Weakness
- Rodri's injury exposed a midfield gap that City lacked a true replacement for, weakening both possession and defensive recovery.
- That loss plus defensive injuries led to a drop in second-ball dominance and a woeful run of nine wins in 31 matches.
Injuries Undermined Defensive Solidity
- Manchester City's defensive rhythm collapsed under multiple injuries to key defenders, undermining their usual solidity.
- The combination of midfield and defensive problems produced a season-level collapse not explained by one factor alone.
Pep's Change Of Routine Signalled Uncertainty
- Guardiola reacted to the malaise by changing routines, giving more days off and experimenting, showing uncertainty rather than clear solutions.
- That tactical and management shift illustrated how even elite coaches can lose their usual control when multiple problems compound.
