Manchester City are undergoing one of the most turbulent periods of the Pep Guardiola era. The British team’s first defeat against the Norwegian national team against the modest Bodo/Glimt caused a storm in the British press. “Horror show”, “humiliating”, “humiliating”…the headlines leave no doubt, and the champion is upset.
The blow was twofold. First there was a derby slump against Manchester United, followed by a setback in Europe. After two losses, City lost direction and morale on the floor was low. They are on a four-game winless streak in the Premier League and have only tasted victory twice since the start of 2026.
The setback in Norway set off all sorts of alarm bells. Manager Guardiola admitted that he was clearly upset, saying, “Everything hasn’t gone well since the beginning of the year.” His side sit second in the Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal, and are in danger of missing out on a place in the last eight of the Champions League group stage.
Looking to the future
Add to this criticism the weighty fact of spending. Since January 2025, City have invested €500 million in reinforcements. They’ve already spent $100 million on Semenyo and Guehi in this market alone. Reinforcements that were supposed to strengthen the project have so far failed to make up for the rift in the team, which appears to have lost its spark.
Neither the Norwegian cold nor any excuses are of any consolation. The English champions are looking for answers as the local press question whether Guardiola’s magic is still alive in a dressing room that has lost its luster from happier days.
