Pep Guardiola’s bold decision to bench Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker against Aston Villa has sparked plenty of debate among Manchester City fans and analysts alike. The City boss has now revealed the reasoning behind his line-up, insisting it’s all about the way he wants the team to play.
“For the way we have to play, I decided this line-up – simple as that,” Guardiola stated before the match.
City’s Form: A Cause for Concern
It’s no secret that Man City are struggling. Heading into the clash at Villa Park, Guardiola’s men had won just one of their last 11 games in all competitions. A run like this is almost unheard of for the reigning Premier League champions, leaving them 18th in the league’s form table.
Last weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United added to their woes. City led for most of the match but let it slip late on, conceding two goals to lose 2-1 at the Etihad. That loss came as a bitter blow, and Guardiola knows his side must respond quickly.
Why De Bruyne and Walker Were Benched
Guardiola made four changes to his starting XI for the match against Villa. Ederson and Matheus Nunes didn’t even make the squad, while De Bruyne and Walker found themselves on the bench. Guardiola brushed off the surprise, saying it was purely tactical.
“It’s about how we need to play this game,” he said.
Manuel Akanji: “We’re Determined”
City defender Manuel Akanji also spoke before the game, admitting the squad knows they need to step up.
“With the many games we have, there is always another opportunity. We’ve had some extra training sessions, and it’s been good to talk about what we need to improve. Nobody likes losing, and we really want to turn this around,” Akanji said.
Haaland is Irreplaceable but Less Effective:
Guardiola also addressed questions about Erling Haaland’s recent dip in form. The Norwegian striker, who has been the focal point of City’s attack, has struggled to make his usual impact in recent games.
“Erling is irreplaceable,” Guardiola explained. “But we aren’t creating enough chances for him right now. He’s surrounded by three or four centre-backs every game, and that makes it tough. We need to create more space and give him better service.”
Guardiola pointed out that while Haaland’s productivity has dropped, it’s a team issue rather than an individual problem.
The Bigger Picture:
This season’s tactical adjustments—particularly around Haaland—have sparked debate about Guardiola’s evolving approach. While his previous teams often thrived with a false nine, the presence of a traditional striker like Haaland requires a different setup. Guardiola admitted the team is still finding the balance.
“Some of the goals we concede, we’ve given away too easily,” Guardiola said. “It’s about getting results first, then building confidence.”
What’s Next for City?
Man City’s trip to Villa Park is a must-win, not just for the points but to rebuild belief within the squad. With Arsenal, Liverpool, and Spurs looking sharp at the top of the table, Guardiola knows there’s no time to waste.
The decision to rest key players like De Bruyne and Walker could go either way, but Guardiola is clear in his vision: win the battles now and trust the process to get City back to their best.
