Manchester City’s recent run of form—just one win in their last 11 games—has exposed weaknesses in both squad depth and confidence. With critical gaps across several positions, Pep Guardiola will look to the January transfer window as the catalyst for a turnaround.
DETAILS:
Manchester City’s 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester United was another painful chapter in what has become a worrying slump. From being unbeaten as recently as late October, City now find themselves fifth in the table after conceding late goals in games they should have won.
The Blues have repeatedly let leads slip, with recent matches against Sporting, Brighton, Feyenoord, and United highlighting their frailties. Across these games, City conceded nine goals in just 28 minutes of collective collapses.
The combination of individual errors, defensive fragility, and a crisis of confidence has left Guardiola’s side searching for answers. While City’s struggles are clear, they are still just three points behind Arsenal and five adrift of Chelsea. Even Liverpool—nine points ahead—have shown vulnerabilities.
A year ago, City were also fifth at Christmas, six points behind Arsenal. That season ended with a Premier League title and a Treble. But this time, the squad’s issues seem deeper, and Guardiola has admitted City need reinforcements to mount another comeback.
RECALL:
In the 2022-23 season, City endured a similar pre-Christmas slump, with one win in six matches before turning their season around. That recovery came thanks to squad depth, resilience, and Guardiola’s ability to find solutions.
Now, City must address clear weaknesses:
- A goalkeeper to challenge Ederson.
- Full-backs to strengthen defensive stability.
- A Rodri alternative to anchor the midfield.
- A box-to-box midfielder for energy and creativity.
- A clinical centre-forward to capitalize on chances.
Guardiola knows fresh faces are needed, and January will be the first step in solving the squad puzzle.
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola on accountability:
“I am the boss. I am the manager. I have to find a solution. I am not doing well, that is the truth.”
On the need for reinforcements:
“More players mean more wins with the schedule we face. We need help in the transfer market, and we will have to act.”
CITATIONS:
This report is based on the information from:
City’s defeats against Sporting, Brighton, Feyenoord, and Manchester United.
Historical reference to City’s 2022-23 turnaround from fifth to champions.
SQUAD NEEDS:
City’s issues aren’t limited to one position. Guardiola needs:
- A reliable goalkeeper to cover and challenge Ederson.
- Full-backs to provide stability and width in defense.
- A Rodri alternative to fill the massive void left when their midfield anchor is unavailable.
- A box-to-box midfielder to inject energy and dynamism into the engine room.
- A clinical centre-forward to lead the line and convert chances in tight matches.
That’s half a new starting XI, and while January won’t fix everything, it must be the starting point.
KEEP IN MIND:
Manchester City’s dynasty under Guardiola has faced challenges before, only to emerge stronger. With January approaching, the transfer window represents an opportunity to inject quality into a squad that has already proven its resilience.
Guardiola may not be a magician—as he himself admitted—but if anyone can pull City out of this slump, it’s him.
The fight for the title is far from over, and City fans know better than anyone that comebacks are part of their club’s DNA.
