Manchester City faces a pivotal moment as they prepare for a crucial Champions League clash against Juventus, hoping to ease the pain of their worst run under manager Pep Guardiola. With just one win in their past nine matches across all competitions, the English champions are grappling with injuries and poor form among key players.
City currently sits 17th in the Champions League’s new league-phase table, needing at least one win from their final three games to secure a playoff spot. Their chances of direct qualification to the last 16 appear slim, with challenging fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge still to come.
Meanwhile, their Premier League campaign hangs by a thread. Trailing Liverpool by eight points, Guardiola’s side has struggled to maintain the dominance that saw them clinch an unprecedented four consecutive English titles. Injuries to key players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, and Phil Foden, have stretched the squad thin.
“The season starts difficult, it will be difficult all season,” Guardiola admitted after City’s latest 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. “We have to survive the season, every game, try to take points, to try to win games and go forward.”
City’s medical room remains crowded, with Bernardo Silva highlighting the challenge of a reduced squad. “If the squad is this short, it is always so difficult for all the players to play three days after three days,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola has urged his team to embrace the challenge. Reflecting on their 2022/23 treble-winning season, which also saw mid-season struggles, he noted, “Don’t feel sorry, accept the challenge, and maybe at the end, we will have more satisfaction.”
City’s upcoming game against Juventus offers a glimmer of hope. The Italian side is on a four-game winless streak and struggling in Serie A, potentially providing City a much-needed opportunity to turn their fortunes around.
The Champions League represents a lifeline for Guardiola’s men, and history suggests that a strong recovery is possible. With their sights set on continental glory, City must dig deep to revive their season.
