Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are facing their toughest period in years, with seven winless matches casting a shadow over the reigning Premier League champions. Central to the debate is star striker Erling Haaland, who has been criticized for his recent performances, and questions are being raised about Guardiola’s summer transfer decisions.
Haaland’s Struggles in the Spotlight
Despite his remarkable tally of 107 goals in 117 appearances since joining City in 2022, Haaland’s current form has drawn criticism. The 24-year-old has managed just one goal in his last eight Premier League games, leaving many to wonder if the striker has lost his edge during a critical juncture in City’s campaign.
Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart was blunt in his assessment of Haaland, calling him a “normal player” without his pace. “Technique-wise, he’s not good enough,” Van der Vaart said. “When City are on form, he can get away with it, but not when they’re struggling. He’s missing something that the top strikers, like Ruud van Nistelrooy, had.”
Guardiola’s Transfer Decisions Scrutinized
Van der Vaart also turned his focus to Guardiola’s squad-building strategy. The departure of Ilkay Gündogan, a pivotal figure in City’s treble-winning side, was highlighted as a misstep. “Ilkay Gündogan was not what they needed in the summer,” Van der Vaart added, emphasizing that City now look tired and lack the intensity that once defined them.
With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined and other key players like Phil Foden struggling for consistency, critics argue that Guardiola’s reliance on existing stars without adequately reinforcing the squad has left City vulnerable.
Man City’s Crisis Deepens
City’s current standing in the Premier League form table—16th—underscores the severity of their issues. Once untouchable, the squad now appears fatigued and out of sync, with Guardiola himself under pressure to reignite their spark.
The home clash against Nottingham Forest is being viewed as a potential turning point, but the road ahead remains challenging. Guardiola’s methods, while celebrated, now face scrutiny as questions grow about whether City’s dominance is beginning to fade.
The Rebuild Question
Van der Vaart believes a rebuild is necessary but warns against drastic measures. “I’m not saying they need to get rid of Pep—no chance. But they need to get their transfers right.” The sentiment is shared by fans and pundits who view this season as a test of Guardiola’s adaptability.
With Haaland underperforming and the squad showing signs of wear, Guardiola’s ability to navigate this crisis could define City’s future trajectory in both domestic and European competitions.
