Pep Guardiola mentioned his Manchester Metropolis aspect had been “fragile”, whereas they had been additionally labelled “weak” and “frail” after surrendering a 3-0 Champions League lead towards Feyenoord at Etihad Stadium.
As an alternative of heading to Liverpool on the again of a morale-boosting win, the defending Premier League champions face their title rivals at Anfield on Sunday with extra questions on their defending after having to accept a 3-3 draw.
Metropolis have now conceded two or extra objectives in six successive matches in all competitions for the primary time since Could 1963.
Not solely that, however they appear to have forgotten find out how to win – even from essentially the most commanding positions.
When Erling Haaland slid in to place them 3-0 up within the 53rd minute towards Feyenoord, the hosts regarded properly heading in the right direction to return to successful methods after 5 straight defeats.
But the 2023 European Cup winners inexplicably managed to throw away two factors and had been booed off the pitch at full time.
“They give the impression of being weak, they appear mild, they appear frail,” mentioned former England captain Alan Shearer, who was at Etihad Stadium for Amazon Prime.
“Even with two minutes to go and 3-2 up, they take a fast free-kick. Why? Kill the sport. They had been in such a snug place.”
‘I do not know if it is a psychological factor’
Metropolis haven’t stored a clear sheet since 26 October, after they final tasted victory in a slim 1-0 win over struggling Southampton.
Since then they’ve leaked 17 objectives in six matches, an astonishing statistic contemplating their success below Guardiola has been constructed on stable defensive foundations.
“I do not know if it’s a psychological factor,” mentioned Guardiola, who turned so annoyed along with his aspect’s efficiency that he scratched his personal face.
“The sport was high-quality at 3-0, enjoying good, however then we concede lots of objectives as a result of we weren’t secure. We gave them the primary after which the opposite one, that’s the reason it was tough.
“The state of affairs is what it’s. We performed sport however at that stage we will not give them away.”
Metropolis have work to do if they’re to keep away from an undesirable two-legged play-off in February to progress to the final 16.
They’ve to complete within the high eight to earn an automated passage into the knockout stage however sit fifteenth after Tuesday’s sport. They may fall even decrease after Wednesday’s matches.
Metropolis face two testing video games at Juventus on 11 December and Paris St-Germain on 22 January subsequent within the competitors earlier than internet hosting Membership Brugge on 29 January.
“Proper now I’m not prepared to consider that [needing to win their final three games to finish top eight],” added Guardiola.
“Now we have to get better and put together for the following sport. If we aren’t in a position to win video games like we did immediately it’s tough to do it.”
Metropolis lacking ‘vocal chief’
Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol price £77m when he joined Metropolis from RB Leipzig in August 2023.
He struggled within the 4-0 house defeat by Tottenham on the weekend and on Tuesday was at fault for Feyenoord’s first and second objectives.
Gvardiol horribly misplaced a backpass which allowed Anis Hadj Moussa to nip in and spherical Ederson to attain Feyenoord’s first purpose.
Ordinarily that may have been a mere comfort and Metropolis would have closed out the sport, however Gvardiol had one other second to overlook eight minutes from time.
Once more he gave the ball away and Feyenoord pounced. The ball was lofted into the field and Jordan Lotomba fired a shot that glanced the submit and deflected throughout purpose, the place substitute Santiago Gimenez chested in.
“It was a comical defensive error from Josko Gvardiol that allowed Feyenoord again into the sport and so they capitulated,” former England winger Andros Townsend informed BBC Radio 5 Stay.
“Now we have by no means seen defensive frailties like this from Manchester Metropolis earlier than. It appears to be popping up in each single sport they’ve performed just lately.
“They had been cruising. In the long run, all that arduous work from Metropolis is undone, and the strain now mounts much more forward of the Premier League sport towards Liverpool.”
Former Manchester Metropolis participant Gael Clichy mentioned Guardiola’s aspect are lacking a “vocal” chief within the crew.
“You can’t proceed making particular person errors,” Clichy informed Amazon Prime.
“That has occurred within the final six matches. They’re lacking a vocal chief. A powerful chief on the again.”
Guardiola added: “Gvardiol will study. He was one of the best participant on the pitch however I shall be so incorrect if I level a selected factor at him.
“He’s a improbable participant, improbable boy and greater than ever have to be helped.”