- Manchester City is struggling with form and injuries, leaving them uncertain about qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.
- The team has won just once in its last nine games, with key players sidelined, leading to Pep Guardiola’s worst managerial run.
- Despite challenges, City is still in a position to qualify for the Champions League playoffs, though a top-eight finish seems unlikely.
- City’s Premier League title defense is also in jeopardy, with an eight-point deficit to leaders Liverpool.
- Guardiola has emphasized the difficulties of this season, acknowledging that the squad is too thin to cope with the challenges ahead.
Manchester City’s current malaise has left the English champions in a precarious situation ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Juventus. The team has won only once in its last nine games, with key injuries and poor form from several star players contributing to the worst run of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career. Despite setbacks such as a 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon and a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord after leading 3-0, City remains in contention to qualify from the new Champions League league-phase format, sitting 17th in the 36-team table. A top-24 finish is enough for a spot in the playoff round, but a direct entry into the last 16 seems unlikely.
This challenging spell is even more significant as City struggles to defend its Premier League title. Currently in fourth place, they trail Liverpool by eight points, with their rivals also holding a game in hand. City’s ability to hit top form in the latter part of the season has often been a hallmark of their success under Guardiola, but this year, the mood around the Etihad is different due to injuries within an aging squad. Guardiola acknowledged the difficult season ahead, stating that the focus must be on survival and taking points game by game.
The team’s injury list is significant, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri out for the season due to an ACL injury and several other key players sidelined. Midfielder Bernardo Silva stressed that with such a short squad, it is difficult for players to manage the intense fixture schedule. Guardiola also admitted that, despite the hard work of medical staff, the lack of player rotation is taking a toll.
Despite the challenges, City still has hope. They need just one win from their final three Champions League group-stage games to almost guarantee qualification, with Juventus, who are also struggling in Serie A, among their remaining opponents. Guardiola has looked to the past for inspiration, recalling how his squad overcame similar difficulties last season to lift the treble, including their first-ever Champions League title. With a deep run in the competition still a possibility, City will hope to find their form in the spring.
