Following Pep Guardiola’s renewal of his contract with Manchester City, the team has encountered an unexpected slump, managing just a single victory in their last seven Premier League games. This downturn comes despite expectations that Guardiola’s side would secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title. However, they now trail Liverpool by 14 points, who currently top the table.
Prior to this season, there was speculation that it might be Guardiola’s last with City, as his previous contract was due to expire in the summer of 2025. Dispelling these doubts, the 53-year-old manager affirmed his commitment to the club by signing a new two-year extension in November.
While the news of his extension was initially met with enthusiasm from City supporters, the club’s form has since deteriorated significantly. Since the contract signing, only Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton have accumulated fewer points than City. Despite dominating play in most matches, the team has struggled to convert their performance into victories.
In a candid interview with TNT Sports, Guardiola reflected on the challenging period: “Now it’s like we have to start over, disregard our past achievements, and acknowledge that nothing is given; it’s tougher than ever,” he explained. He emphasized the pointlessness of dwelling on past successes when they do not contribute to winning matches.
Since signing the new agreement, Guardiola’s side has averaged a meagre 0.71 points per game, a rate that, if sustained across an entire season, would yield only 27 points. The team’s struggles have been compounded by the loss of Rodri to an ACL injury in September, which significantly disrupted their balance and momentum.
Despite the recent poor results, Guardiola remains steadfast, expressing no regrets about his decision to extend his stay at Manchester City. “Absolutely not,” he affirmed when queried on any second thoughts about renewing his contract. This resolve highlights his commitment to navigating the club through this turbulent phase and restoring its former glory.
