Under the able leadership of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have grown to be a world-class club over the past few years. They have seen heights every club dreams of reaching in their journey. With back to back wins in Premier League under their belt, City is looking to win every possible trophy that comes their way.
Obviously, a successful campaign is possible only with motivated players and a good manager. It is also safe to say that Manchester City had struck the perfect balance, topping the Premier League Table, twice in a row under the captaincy of Vincent Kompany. But each season comes with its own challenges and City are facing their own set of obstacles this season.
With Kompany gone after 11 years of incredible service, the centre-back position was left with a huge void to fill. Guardiola showed his confidence in the squad and did not invest in a big signing for the defensive position with clubs such as United and Juventus splurging huge amounts in the signing of centre-backs.
Now, almost a month into the new season, Manchester City seem to be in a bit of trouble. Their list of injured players seems to be ever-growing with names being added in regular intervals. The latest update is that of first-team regular Aymeric Laporte, who is predicted to be out till at least the end of this year. John Stones has been injured very frequently in the past few seasons facing niggles here and there regularly. Benjamin Mendy is another player who has been injured since last year.
Football pundits, as well as City fans, are concerned about how the club will perform, with the lack of quality in the defence pretty evident now. Also, questions have been raised on Pep’s decision to not buy a centre-back.
Looking at the present condition and with City’s aim of winning the Champion’s League in mind, Pep’s decision could prove costly for the Premier League Champions. He should have, like incase of Rodri replacing Fernandinho, arranged a replacement with Kompany’s long forthcoming departure. Another aspect of the story is that this gives a wonderful opportunity for young talents to step up and show their worth. This also gives Guardiola the freedom to keenly observe centre-backs playing across the world and invest smartly in the January transfer window.
It will be interesting to see what Pep does in the upcoming days, the formation he plays with as well as his selection of players in his 11. Also what will be interesting is the rumours that will be doing rounds all over the media with several players already associated with a January transfer to City. In the present scenario, Manchester City need to find a solution – especially after their loss against Norwich, they already trail Liverpool by 5 points in the Premier League table.
