Manchester City are experiencing a crisis unlike any they have faced under Spanish coach Pep Guardiola. The team has managed just one win in their last 12 matches across all competitions, with nine defeats significantly impacting their campaigns in the English Premier League and Champions League.
The “Citizens” are struggling with recurring injuries and a packed fixture schedule, preventing the team from achieving the necessary consistency. While some players are returning to the squad, others remain sidelined. For instance, in their recent match against Aston Villa, Manu Akanji was back in training, but the absences of Ederson and Ruben Dias have added to their difficulties.
Why does Pep Guardiola insist on the senior players?
Despite the injury crisis and limited options, Guardiola continues to rely on experienced players rather than giving more opportunities to younger talents.
For example, Jahari Simpson-Bossy played in emergency defensive roles in matches against Sporting and Brighton but hasn’t started a game since. Similarly, James McAtee has made just one Premier League appearance this season, coming on as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Despite two years of valuable experience at Sheffield United, where he battled for both promotion and survival, McAtee’s involvement at City has been minimal. The club’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, reportedly admires McAtee, and Guardiola has praised him publicly, but his opportunities have been scarce.
Why Pep Guardiola Isn’t Using Manchester City’s Youth Players
When asked why younger players have not been given more chances, Guardiola shared his perspective: “Good question, but during this period, the responsibility lies with the senior players. In the last game against United, I thought about using Jahmari, and I believe he could have performed well.”
Guardiola elaborated, “But, in these circumstances, putting pressure on young players can be harsh and unfair. Perhaps I am wrong, but I feel that during difficult times, the experienced players who have proven their worth should lead the team out of the crisis.”
He also acknowledged the potential of younger players, saying, “Young players are always ready. They bring energy and enthusiasm, and they don’t carry the burdens of past results, which allows them more freedom to perform. However, for now, I have chosen to depend on experienced players. This may change in the future, but this is the approach I am taking at Manchester City.”
Pressures and decisions
Known for his philosophy of precise control and tactical flexibility, Guardiola understands the importance of strong leadership in overcoming challenges. However, sidelining young players might mean missing out on the fresh energy and adaptability they could bring to the team.
With injuries piling up and performances dipping, Guardiola’s decisions are bound to spark debate. Yet, his reliance on senior players stems from his belief that they possess the mental toughness to handle the pressures and deliver results.
The key question remains: can Guardiola’s philosophy bring Manchester City back to winning ways, or will he eventually need to give the younger players a chance to step up and make a difference?
