Manchester City has been one of the most successful soccer teams in the world over the last decade. They’ve won the English Premier League multiple times, lifted the FA Cup, and even achieved the rare treble by winning the league, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season. With Pep Guardiola as manager, City became known as almost unbeatable. His teams moved the ball so fast, pressed their opponents, and created chances with style.
But things are starting to look very different now. The beginning of this new season has shown cracks in City’s armor. After just three league matches, they’ve already lost two games. That might not sound like much, but for a team that’s been so dominant, it’s a big warning sign. Suddenly, the team that everyone thought was unstoppable looks… vulnerable.
And the truth is, City are going through a big rebuild. Players who were central to their success are leaving, new players are arriving, and even Pep Guardiola has admitted this will be his toughest test yet. Let’s break down what’s happening at Manchester City and why this season feels so different.
Pep Guardiola
A Wave of Exits
When you think about City’s success, names like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Kyle Walker, and Ederson come to mind. They’ve been the backbone of Pep Guardiola’s system for years. But now, many of them have left the club.
Kevin De Bruyne, often called the “assist king,” has moved on. He was famous for his vision, long passes, and ability to control games.
Ederson, the Brazilian goalkeeper who was a master with his feet, has joined Turkish side Fenerbahce. He wasn’t just a shot-stopper; he helped start City’s attacks from the back.
Ilkay Gündogan, City’s former captain and key midfield player, left earlier to join Barcelona.
Kyle Walker, one of the fastest defenders in the game, has also said goodbye.
On top of that, players like Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji, and James McAtee are gone too. One by one, the team that dominated Europe is being dismantled.
This kind of change happens to every club eventually. No dynasty lasts forever. But it’s unusual to see so many big names leave in such a short time.
Pep Guardiola
A New Goalkeeper, A New Era
One of the biggest shocks came on deadline day when City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper is world-class. In fact, he won the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020 when Italy lifted the trophy. But here’s the catch: Donnarumma plays a very different style than Ederson.
Pep Guardiola has always preferred keepers who can pass the ball like midfielders. Ederson was perfect for that. Donnarumma is an amazing shot-stopper, but he’s not known for his footwork. This could mean City’s style of play has to change, or Pep has to adapt Donnarumma into something new. Either way, it’s a huge adjustment.
Pep Guardiola
The Spotlight on Rodri
Perhaps the most important figure in City’s future right now is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is often called the “heartbeat” of the team. He protects the defense, keeps possession, and allows the attackers to shine. Without him, City wouldn’t be the same.
In fact, Rodri was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, the award for the best player in the world. That shows just how vital he is, not only for City but also for world soccer.
But here’s the problem: Rodri has only two years left on his contract, and he hasn’t signed a new one. Real Madrid, the biggest club in Spain, has been interested in him for years. If City can’t convince Rodri that they’re still on top, he might be tempted to return to Spain.
Losing him wouldn’t just mean losing a great player. It would be a sign that the best players no longer see Manchester City as the place to be.
Pep Guardiola
Why This Feels Different
Now, you might ask: Haven’t City gone through changes before? Yes, they have. When Pep Guardiola first arrived, he reshaped the squad, moving on big names and bringing in stars who fit his style. But the difference this time is that City feels weaker.
Instead of adding strength, they seem to be losing it. When Gündogan left, De Bruyne got older, and now Ederson and others are gone, the team doesn’t look as invincible. Rival clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and even Chelsea are ready to take advantage.
Soccer Fact Break: Teams Rebuilding
Did you know that even the greatest teams in history have had to go through rebuilds?
Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 struggled for years to get back to the top.
Barcelona after Lionel Messi left in 2021 faced financial problems and had to rely on younger players.
AC Milan, once Europe’s kings, took over a decade to become competitive again after their golden era.
This shows that no matter how strong a team looks, soccer goes in cycles. Now, it might be City’s turn to face that challenge.
Pep Guardiola
News Around the World of Soccer
Manchester City’s struggles are part of a bigger picture in soccer this season:
Kylian Mbappé has finally left Paris Saint-Germain to join Real Madrid, making them even stronger. That’s one more reason Rodri might consider moving back to Spain.
Arsenal has started the new Premier League season with confidence, hoping to finally take City’s crown.
Liverpool is rebuilding under new leadership, aiming to return to their best.
So, City isn’t just battling their own problems—they’re facing stronger competition everywhere.
Pep Guardiola
The Challenge for Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is often called one of the greatest managers of all time. He’s won league titles in Spain, Germany, and England. He’s lifted the Champions League with both Barcelona and Manchester City. But this might be his biggest challenge yet.
Rebuilding from a position of strength is one thing. Rebuilding when your team looks vulnerable is another. City fans trust Pep, but even insiders at the club admit there’s unease. Can he really pull this off again?
Combo: What Needs to Happen for City
For Manchester City to stay at the top, several things need to line up:
Rodri must stay. Without him, City loses its anchor.
Donnarumma must adapt. If he can learn to play Pep’s style, City will be more balanced.
New leaders must emerge. With De Bruyne, Gündogan, and Walker gone, players like Phil Foden and Ruben Dias need to step up.
Pep Guardiola must innovate again. His tactics changed soccer once. Can he do it again?
Final Thoughts
Manchester City is no longer the untouchable giant of recent years. They’re a team in transition, facing questions about their style, their players, and their future. For Pep Pep Guardiola, this is the biggest test of his career in England.
Will City rise again and prove they still belong at the very top? Or will this be the beginning of the end of their golden era? One thing’s for sure—this season is going to be one of the most fascinating in Premier League history.
