Rio Ferdinand, football analyst on TNT Sports. Believes Manchester City dizzy spell this time around looks difficult to recover from the latest 0-2 loss to Juventus in the Champions League. The main problem is the midfield that replaced Rodri, who is not as complete.
City have lost seven of their last 10 games in all competitions. Making the final two rounds of the Champions League a tough one if they are to secure an automatic place in the last 16. But could be out of the play-offs as they are just one point ahead of 25th place.
Ferdinand believes the main problem facing Josep Guardiola’s team is that they are not playing effectively without Rodri.
“I think we were all surprised what happened to them, given their success over the years.” The former 2008 Champions League winner said.
“Manchester City are unbeatable, winning four consecutive Premier League titles, writing their own history with success.”
“But we’ve never seen Pep’s team as a whole look this bad. He has to find a way to electrify his boys, build up the performances and the confidence back.”
“Let me tell you, I’m really in trouble now.”
“Rodri is the person we always talk about.”
“But looking at the bigger picture, it seems like the scope of the problem is wider. Especially the defensive setup in the game against Juventus.”
“They lack a tempo controller in midfield. Another thing that has also been lacking is slow response when counter-attacked. There is no one to provide security for the team.”
“It became easy to pass up, so I think it’s not just Rodri who’s missing. But the whole system in the team is broken.”
How bad is the form? Ask the ทางเข้า ufabet statistics because since November. Guardiola ‘s team has conceded a total of 20 goals in all competitions, more than any other small or big team from all 5 major European leagues.