Champions League

Guardiola's failure, the 'miracle' Manchester City needs to avoid Champions League elimination

The English team lost 4-2 against PSG and is practically eliminated

By Luis Antonio Zamora

The English team lost 4-2 against PSG and is practically eliminated
The English team lost 4-2 against PSG and is practically eliminated
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The English team lost 4-2 against PSG and is practically eliminated. With Wednesday's defeat, Manchester City remained with 8 points in 25th place in the Champions League standings, so in the last matchday they need to beat Brugge at home, something that with the poor level shown so far seems difficult.

Manchester City’s Struggles in 2025: A Disappointing Season Under Guardiola

Manchester City, once the undisputed juggernaut of English and European football, has found itself in uncharted waters in 2025. Under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, the club had been on an unparalleled run of success over the past decade, collecting numerous Premier League titles and domestic cups while regularly challenging for the UEFA Champions League. However, this season has been a difficult one for the club, as they have encountered multiple challenges that have prevented them from reaching the heights they have become accustomed to.

Guardiola’s side, known for their possession-based, attacking football, has looked disjointed and inconsistent in 2025. Despite the impressive talent at their disposal, including star players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden, Manchester City’s performances have been underwhelming. They are struggling to maintain the dominance they once had, and many are starting to question whether the team’s prolonged success has begun to wear thin under the Spanish tactician.

One of the most noticeable issues for City this season has been their inability to defend with the same solidity that has made them one of the most difficult teams to break down in previous years. The club has conceded far more goals than usual, and their defensive unit has looked unusually porous. Ruben Dias and John Stones, usually reliable at the back, have made costly mistakes in critical moments, while goalkeeper Ederson has struggled with some uncharacteristic errors. The fluid, high-pressing style of football that Guardiola has instilled at City has, at times, left them exposed on the counter-attack.

In addition to their defensive frailties, Manchester City’s attacking game has also been less effective in 2025. Haaland, who has been a revelation since joining City, has not been as prolific in front of goal as in previous seasons. Although he has managed to score goals, they have not come as easily, and his usual clinical finishing has been inconsistent. The service to him from midfield has been subpar, with Kevin De Bruyne, once the best playmaker in the world, failing to provide the same level of creativity. City’s possession-heavy approach has, at times, felt ponderous and predictable, allowing opposition teams to sit deep and frustrate them. The attacking fluidity that once made them so devastating has been missing, and Guardiola has struggled to find the right balance between possession and penetration.

Another major issue for City this season has been their injury woes. Several key players, including Haaland and De Bruyne, have missed significant portions of the campaign due to injury, disrupting Guardiola’s plans and leaving City without some of their most influential figures. Haaland’s absence, in particular, has been felt in several matches, with the team struggling to find a focal point in attack. The lack of depth in certain areas of the squad has also been exposed, especially in defensive positions, where Guardiola has had to rely on less experienced players to fill in. The combination of injuries and a lack of squad depth has left City vulnerable in crucial fixtures.

While Manchester City’s struggles have been particularly evident in domestic competitions, their performance in the UEFA Champions League has been far from the dominant force that Guardiola’s team has previously been. The once feared City attack has faltered in Europe, and they have been eliminated earlier than expected in the competition. Their loss to a strong opponent in the knockout rounds highlighted their inability to compete at the highest level in the Champions League this season, and it is clear that the club’s quest for European glory remains elusive.

Guardiola, who has often been lauded for his tactical genius, has found himself under increased scrutiny in 2025. The usually meticulous coach has faced criticism for his inability to adapt to the challenges of the season. His tactics, which have worked so well in the past, have been questioned, with some analysts arguing that City’s possession-based approach is too predictable against high-pressure teams. Guardiola has also been accused of overcomplicating matters in key matches, with some of his team selections and tactical tweaks failing to produce the desired results. The pressure on Guardiola to turn things around is growing, and there are growing calls for the club to reassess their long-term goals and direction.

Despite the challenges, it would be premature to write off Manchester City’s season entirely. Guardiola remains one of the best managers in the world, and his ability to adapt and turn things around cannot be underestimated. The club still has a talented squad, and the likes of Haaland, Foden, and De Bruyne have the potential to make an impact when they are at their best. However, as the season progresses, City’s ability to compete on multiple fronts is becoming more uncertain. The Premier League title race is tighter than in previous years, with other clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool showing their strength, and City will need to find a way to rediscover their form if they are to remain in the hunt for silverware.

In conclusion, Manchester City’s struggles in 2025 have been a major departure from the dominance they have enjoyed over the last decade. Guardiola’s tactics have not had the same effect, and key players have failed to maintain their best form. The defensive vulnerabilities, attacking inconsistencies, and injury problems have all combined to hinder City’s ability to challenge for major trophies. While the season is far from over, the current state of affairs raises important questions about the club’s future and whether the current squad can regain its competitive edge. The coming months will be crucial for Guardiola and Manchester City, and their ability to turn things around could define the trajectory of the club in the years to come.

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