Manchester City’s defensive woes have become a major concern as the team continues to struggle with holding leads and conceding goals. Once known for their solid defensive foundations, City has now gone six consecutive matches without a clean sheet, raising questions about their form ahead of their crucial clash with Liverpool.
From Commanding Leads to Collapse
In their recent Champions League game against Feyenoord, City squandered a 3-0 lead to settle for a 3-3 draw. Erling Haaland’s goal seemed to seal the win, but defensive lapses, particularly from Josko Gvardiol, cost City dearly. Gvardiol’s misplaced backpass led to Feyenoord’s first goal, and another mistake allowed the visitors to equalize late in the game.
Former England captain Alan Shearer described the team as “weak, light, and frail.” Guardiola himself expressed frustration, admitting, “We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable.”
Leadership and Defensive Stability Missing
Analysts and former players have pointed out the lack of a vocal leader in City’s defense. Gael Clichy highlighted this absence, saying, “They are missing a strong leader at the back.” While Gvardiol is a talented defender, his recent errors have exposed City’s vulnerabilities.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
With critical Champions League fixtures against Juventus and PSG approaching, and a Premier League clash with Liverpool looming, City faces immense pressure to turn their form around. Guardiola acknowledged the uphill battle: “We have to recover and prepare for the next game. If we are not able to win games like we did today, it is difficult to progress.”
External Link: Find more insights on Manchester City’s performance at BBC.
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