Is Pep Guardiola a Curse? Players Their Careers Were Ruined At Manchester City

Although for many he is considered the best in the world, there are players who did not have the best experience with Pep Guardiola as their career stagnated and in the following list there are several examples, both at Manchester City and other teams.

When Pep Guardiola took over as manager of Manchester City in 2016, the Spanish coach was tasked with transforming a team already boasting considerable talent into one of the dominant forces in European football. Under Guardiola’s guidance, City would go on to achieve remarkable success, winning multiple Premier League titles and setting new records in both domestic and international competitions. However, not every player has flourished under his leadership. While some have thrived and elevated their game, others have struggled to meet the high expectations set by the coach’s demanding tactics and style of play. This article explores some of the players who, despite their potential or reputation, never quite managed to fulfill their promise under Guardiola at Manchester City.

1. John Stones

John Stones arrived at Manchester City with a glowing reputation, having impressed during his time at Everton. Guardiola clearly saw potential in the young English defender, and Stones was expected to play a key role in City’s defensive rebuild. Early in his tenure, Guardiola praised Stones for his technical ability and passing range, crucial for the “sweeping” style of play that Guardiola wanted his defenders to embody. However, Stones’ time at City has been marred by inconsistency, particularly in terms of his defensive positioning and mental lapses. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance—such as his role in City’s successful 2020-2021 campaign—Stones has often been criticized for his inability to stay injury-free and his frequent mistakes in high-pressure situations. While he has earned back a spot in the starting lineup in recent seasons, the former Everton player has never fully lived up to the standards Guardiola set for him.

2. Benjamin Mendy

One of Guardiola’s more high-profile signings, Benjamin Mendy arrived at Manchester City in 2017 with huge expectations. The French left-back had been one of the standout performers for Monaco during their title-winning 2016-2017 season and seemed to be the perfect fit for Guardiola’s attacking system, given his pace and ability to deliver dangerous crosses. However, Mendy’s time at City has been marred by constant injuries that have limited his impact on the pitch. When fit, his defensive frailties and lack of positional discipline meant that Guardiola could never fully trust him in important matches. Mendy’s time at Manchester City was also overshadowed by legal troubles, leading to a fall from grace. After several injury-plagued seasons and off-field controversies, Mendy’s career at City effectively ended, making him one of the manager’s least successful signings.

3. Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez was a standout player for Leicester City during their shock Premier League title win in 2016, and his move to Manchester City was seen as a major coup for the club. The Algerian winger was a creative force for Leicester, known for his dribbling, flair, and ability to score goals from wide areas. However, under Guardiola, Mahrez has struggled to cement a regular starting spot in the team. While he has undeniably shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the 2019-2020 season when he scored crucial goals in key matches, Mahrez has often been inconsistent. Guardiola’s tactical system demands a high level of work rate and defensive discipline from his wide players, something Mahrez has at times struggled to deliver. His inability to displace the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, or Kevin De Bruyne from the starting lineup has led to a somewhat underwhelming tenure at the club, despite his undeniable talent.

4. Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish was another high-profile signing for Manchester City, making his move from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee. The expectation was that the England international would add a new dimension to City’s attack with his dribbling and ability to draw fouls. However, his first season at the Etihad Stadium was largely disappointing. While Grealish demonstrated moments of quality, his lack of goals and assists left many questioning whether he was worth the significant investment. Guardiola is known for demanding tactical discipline and defensive work from all of his players, and Grealish’s tendency to hold onto the ball for long periods and lack of direct contribution in terms of goals was a point of frustration. Despite this, Grealish has shown signs of improvement in the 2022-2023 season, contributing more to the team’s success, yet it is still unclear whether he will ever fully justify his hefty price tag.

5. Claudio Bravo

When Claudio Bravo joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2016, it was expected that he would become the club’s number one goalkeeper. Bravo was known for his excellent ball-playing ability, an attribute that Guardiola values highly in his goalkeepers. However, Bravo’s time at City was largely unsuccessful. While he had impressive moments in cup competitions, his overall performances in the Premier League were disappointing. Bravo was often criticized for making costly errors, particularly in high-profile matches, and his shot-stopping ability was not at the level expected for a goalkeeper at a club like Manchester City. His struggles in the 2016-2017 season eventually led to the arrival of Ederson, who has since established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the world and a key player under Guardiola.

Conclusion

While Pep Guardiola’s managerial career at Manchester City has been marked by success and the development of many players, some have failed to meet expectations. Whether due to injury, tactical issues, or a simple mismatch of styles, players like John Stones, Benjamin Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, and Claudio Bravo have not achieved the heights that were expected of them under Guardiola. Yet, this only highlights the high standards that the manager sets and the level of competition at a club like Manchester City. For some of these players, their time under Guardiola may not have been as fruitful, but the opportunity to play under one of the best managers in the world is still an achievement in itself.