Manchester City’s transfer activity during the summer drew praise for financial acumen but raised eyebrows over tactical decisions, particularly Pep Guardiola’s choice to sell Julian Alvarez without bringing in a replacement. The Argentine forward departed for Atletico Madrid in a club-record £81 million deal, leaving Erling Haaland as City’s lone recognized striker.
Guardiola’s False Nine Experiment
According to a report from The Athletic, Guardiola refrained from signing another forward, believing his squad’s depth in midfield could compensate. With playmakers like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne, Guardiola envisioned deploying a “false nine” system—a strategy he previously employed successfully at Barcelona.
However, this decision coincided with significant injury setbacks. Rodri, De Bruyne, and Mateo Kovacic have all faced spells on the sidelines, limiting Guardiola’s options and stretching the squad thin. Early-season injuries disrupted plans to rotate midfielders into advanced roles, leaving City exposed in critical matches.
The Numbers Game: City’s Struggles
City’s lack of attacking depth has contributed to inconsistent performances. Currently sitting second in the Premier League, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool, Guardiola’s side risks losing more ground in the title race. If their position worsens ahead of the January window, bolstering the squad may become an urgent necessity.
What’s Next?
While Guardiola’s faith in his midfielders is commendable, the January window could see City addressing gaps in their squad. A backup striker, along with reinforcements in midfield and potentially in goal, could be pivotal in reigniting their season and chasing down Liverpool at the top of the table.
