Pep Guardiola labels Manchester City “fragile” as they squander commanding lead in the Champions League, leaving more questions about their defending ahead of a crucial clash with Liverpool.
Manchester City’s defensive frailties were laid bare once again in a shocking 3-3 draw with Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium, a result that has raised more concerns ahead of their high-stakes clash with Liverpool this Sunday. The defending Premier League champions appeared to be cruising to victory after going 3-0 up just eight minutes into the second half, but inexplicably, they allowed Feyenoord to claw their way back, ultimately surrendering two points in a result that left fans and pundits alike stunned.
The draw marked a historic low for City, with this being the first time under Pep Guardiola that his side failed to win a game after being three goals up. Guardiola, known for his tactically astute teams, did not mince words in his post-match comments, calling his side “fragile” and lamenting the way they allowed the game to slip from their grasp.
“We are fragile,” Guardiola said, visibly frustrated. “When you concede goals in the way we did, it’s not just about the individual mistakes; it’s the mentality. We looked weak and were unable to manage the game.”
The match was a bizarre one for City, who had been dominant for much of the encounter. After a stunning finish from Erling Haaland put them 3-0 up in the 53rd minute, it seemed all but certain that City would claim the three points and put their recent woes behind them. They had suffered five straight defeats in all competitions leading into the game, and a win seemed like the perfect tonic for a team struggling to find their rhythm.
But Feyenoord, refusing to roll over, mounted an unexpected comeback. The Dutch side pulled one back in the 55th minute, and just when it seemed like City might hang on, two further goals in the closing stages levelled the score. Despite having several opportunities to kill off the game, Guardiola’s men failed to show the composure and steel necessary to secure the win.
Exasperation was clear among the Etihad crowd, who booed the team off the pitch at full-time. “They look weak, they look light, they look frail,” said former England captain Alan Shearer, who was in attendance for Amazon Prime. “Even with just two minutes to go and 3-2 up, they take a quick free-kick. Why? Kill the game, take your time, and see it out. They were in such a comfortable position.”
It is not the first time this season that Manchester City have shown defensive vulnerabilities. The club has now conceded two or more goals in six consecutive matches across all competitions — the first time this has happened since May 1963. Guardiola, who has built his reputation on organising solid defences, will be deeply concerned by this alarming trend.
The defensive lapses are made all the more significant as City prepare for their upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield, a venue where they have struggled in recent years. The title race is beginning to heat up, and with City already trailing in the standings, the pressure is mounting on Guardiola to get his side back to winning ways.
Manchester City’s attacking power, led by Haaland, continues to shine, but their inability to defend a commanding lead raises serious questions about their ability to cope with high-pressure situations. As they travel to face their title rivals in Liverpool, the focus will undoubtedly be on how City respond to these defensive shortcomings and whether they can hold their nerve in the face of growing criticism.
Guardiola’s challenge now is to address the mental fragility that has crept into his team’s play, ensuring that they are not only capable of scoring but also resilient enough to see games through to the end. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether City can regain their momentum or if their defensive woes will continue to undermine their season.
