Alan Shearer has spoken openly about Manchester City’s problems under Pep Guardiola this season and explained where he thinks things are going wrong.
Guardiola’s side, who have won four Premier League titles in a row, have suffered a dramatic collapse in form in recent months, winning just one of their last 10 games in all competitions.
This has left them eight points adrift in the title race as they are in a battle to qualify for the Champions League last 16 following Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus.
City’s torrid run has seen them lose to the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth, Liverpool and Tottenham twice, with the reigning top-flight champions looking a shadow of their former selves, while several key players have also been struggling to keep its shape.
City were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup and could face a trophyless season for the first time since 2016-17.
Many have attributed his struggles to the season-ending injury Rodri suffered, but given the dramatic nature of his fall Betfair Ambassador Shearer felt there was a bigger reason, although he admitted there is still a good chance City will get back to their best and do something with this campaign.
Alan Shearer has given his verdict on Manchester City’s problems in recent months
Pep Guardiola’s side have suffered a dramatic drop in form, winning one of their last 10 games.
Betfair ambassador Shearer felt City were “lacking legs” and “energy” in their midfield.
“I think it would be very dangerous to completely dismiss them for who and what they are,” he told Mail Sport exclusively, speaking on behalf of Betfair.
“But clearly it’s more than just Rodri’s problem. What was impressive was how difficult they made it for the opposition in terms of energy and closing people down, but it seems like they’ve lost that, especially in midfield.
“There is also Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne, who are probably past their prime.
“They are still very good players, but in terms of legs they probably lack the legs that City had 18 months ago.”
The recent period has undoubtedly been the most difficult in Guardiola’s trophy-laden managerial career and the Spaniard has shown signs that the pressure is getting to him.
Following a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League last month, when City squandered a 3-0 lead, he appeared at his post-match press conference with cuts and scrapes on his face, while also conceding quite a strange interview. after City’s draw with Crystal Palace last week when there was talk of Rico Lewis’ red card.
However, Shearer considered that Guardiola’s behavior is natural to that of a coach who seeks results, although he admitted that the whole situation will have been a shock for the fans, the players and the Spaniard himself.
“It’s human,” Shearer added. “It’s certainly proving what 99 percent of managers go through in terms of ups and downs and disappointments.
Shearer felt that several of City’s players, such as Ilkay Gundogan, were perhaps past their best days.
Shearer also stated that Guardiola’s behavior is natural to that of a coach looking for victories.
‘You won’t sleep at night, you’ll hurt like hell, you’ll get nervous and nervous, but wouldn’t we all do that if we’re not winning?
‘It’s just normal. It’s a tough job right now and we’re not used to seeing him and his team acting like this and he’s not used to it.
“It’s very different from what you’ve always had and it looks like it’s not going to go away in a week or two.”
In terms of Guardiola resolving the various issues facing his team, there has been increasing speculation that City will enter the transfer market in January in an attempt to reverse their problems.
And for Shearer, he felt this was the natural step. “I assume they will look at the options available in January and see what can improve them,” he added.
“But I think even if they were the best in the league, they would do it.” “They may need reinforcements and Rodri won’t be back for a while, so maybe that’s a position they look to strengthen in.”
City return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host arch-rivals United in a highly anticipated Manchester derby.
Don’t miss Alan Shearer vs Rachael Blackmore on Betfair Christmas Quizzing…Only Bettor, broadcast live on Friday, December 20.