In recent years, Manchester City, the powerhouse of world football, has become synonymous with dominance and trophies. However, the 2024 season hasn’t been as good as it could have been for the reigning champions. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who’s to blame for Man City’s poor form?
In this blog, let’s take a look at who’s to blame for Man City’s poor form, and the reasons that have led to City’s poor performance this season.
Success Fatigue
One of whom’s to blame for Man City’s poor form is that success comes with a price. After winning the treble in 2023, Manchester City’s players are likely to feel both physical and mental strain. Busy fixtures and international fixtures make them even more tired and struggle to keep performing at their best.
Psychological Pressure
Expectations are very high at Manchester City. Having set the bar so high, players may struggle under the pressure of replicating past successes. A drop in confidence is normal, but when it happens to a team like Manchester City, it becomes obvious.
Defensive Problems
Manchester City’s consistently sturdy defense has been unusually porous. Key defender Rúben Dias is in poor form and the backline is prone to errors. Opponents have capitalized on City’s weaknesses to launch quick counter-attacks, something rarely seen in previous seasons.
Tactical Adjustments
Pep Guardiola is often praised for his tactical genius, but his constant tinkering can sometimes backfire. This season, new formations and positional changes have disrupted the team’s chemistry. Players seem unsure of their roles, leading to inconsistent performances on the pitch.
A Midfield Crisis-Who’s to Blame for Man City’s Poor Form
Injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne have dealt a heavy blow to Manchester City. De Bruyne’s creativity and leadership in midfield is irreplaceable. While promising players like Phil Foden and Matteo Kovačić have risen to the top, the team lacks the pace and vision that De Bruyne provides.
New Signings Yet to Shine
Manchester City’s summer reinforcements have yet to make progress. Big money acquisitions like Joško Gvardiol and Jérémy Doku have shown flashes of brilliance but have yet to impact the game consistently. Adapting to Guardiola’s complex system will take time and the team is feeling the growing pains.
Lack of a Natural Striker
Despite Erling Harland’s goals to his credit, there is a distinct lack of support from the forward line. The team has figured out how to isolate Harland and limit his impact. Without another consistent goal threat, City’s offense has become predictable.
Reflections on Who’s to Blame for Man City’s Poor Form
Blaming one man or one factor for Manchester City’s poor form would be an oversimplification. It’s a combination of injuries, tactical changes and the team’s natural cycles. However, the season is far from over. If there is one team that knows how to bounce back, it is City.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s poor showing in 2024 is a reminder that even the best teams face challenges. While there are multiple factors at play, the season is not over yet. With the right adjustments and recovery of key players, the club can still succeed this year.
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De Bruin’s creativity and leadership in the midfield are hard to replace, leaving a big void in the team.
Harland is still a key player, but the team has adapted to his threat, exposing City’s reliance on him for goals.