Manchester Metropolis, the reigning Premier League champions, discover themselves getting ready to disaster this season. The peculiar half is that it’s not simply because the gamers aren’t performing effectively, however as a result of two of Pep Guardiola’s greatest strengths have change into his greatest weaknesses.
The primary challenge lies in Manchester Metropolis’s squad depth, or lack thereof, within the defensive midfield place. Guardiola had the posh of Yaya Touré and Fernandinho at his disposal, which developed into Rodri and Fernandinho.
Nonetheless, since Fernandinho’s departure, the one devoted holding midfielder introduced in has been Kalvin Phillips, who has by no means been given an actual alternative. This has resulted in an over-reliance on Rodri, resulting in his present ACL harm that can sideline him for the season.
The second, and maybe extra essential, challenge is Guardiola’s tactical tinkering over the previous couple of seasons. In an try and counter groups defending narrowly and deep, Guardiola launched a midfield diamond system that was extremely efficient.
This method allowed Metropolis to outnumber the opposition within the inventive zones, making it practically unattainable for the opponents to press successfully.
Nonetheless, the success of this technique was closely depending on Rodri’s distinctive skillset. Rodri’s physicality, positioning, and means to rapidly transition possession into assault had been essential to the system’s effectiveness.
With Rodri out, the cracks within the system have change into gaping holes, as Kovačić, the alternative, lacks the identical degree of defensive consciousness and passing vary.
With out Rodri’s presence, Metropolis’s transition protection has change into weak, with opponents now capable of counter-attack by means of the midfield and expose the backline.
Guardiola’s try to handle this by pushing the fullbacks increased up the pitch has solely exacerbated the issue, leaving the pivot place much more remoted.
Moreover, the crew’s wider attacking choices have additionally been a priority. The signing of Álvarez was meant to offer Metropolis with two real dribblers who might get the ball to Haaland persistently.
Nonetheless, the crew’s new form has made them extra inclined to turnovers, and the absence of those dribbling threats has been felt.
Individually, the crew’s high scorers and assisters from final season have additionally seen a dip in type, with solely Haaland sustaining his excessive requirements.
This good storm of tactical, squad, and particular person points has left Manchester Metropolis in a precarious place. Guardiola, recognized for his means to adapt and evolve, now faces his greatest problem but. The query stays: can the grasp tactician discover a technique to flip issues round and reclaim Metropolis’s dominance?
