Ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea, Pep Guardiola did not hold back in his assessment of his team. According to Guardiola, City is currently the “worst team in the Premier League” when it comes to regaining possession, and he believes their once-intimidating reputation has diminished.

Guardiola’s brutally honest evaluation comes during a season where he admits the team may not reach their peak until next year. He even expressed doubt about City’s ability to secure a Champions League spot via a top-four (or top-five) finish. Despite having already spent over £100 million on new signings this season, the manager hinted at the possibility of further reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Pep’s Unfiltered Thoughts

Rather than sticking to the questions posed by journalists, Guardiola took the opportunity to address broader issues affecting his side. When asked about Adukodir Khusanov’s pace, Guardiola launched into a heartfelt discussion about City’s waning fear factor and the team’s struggles both on and off the ball. Similarly, a question regarding City’s January transfer strategy led to a lengthy reflection on their fading legacy and uncertain Champions League prospects.

Guardiola, who is often reserved in sharing his deeper thoughts, opened up significantly in this pre-match press conference, laying bare his frustrations and concerns ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.

A Grueling Schedule Ahead

City’s upcoming schedule is nothing short of daunting. Following the Chelsea clash, Guardiola’s side will face Enzo Maresca’s team, a must-win Champions League match against Club Brugge, and Premier League encounters with Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton. Additionally, two potential Champions League play-off games loom on the horizon.

Despite a seven-game unbeaten run, Guardiola dismissed any notion that City is “back.” Instead, he emphasized the brutal realities facing his squad, including their deteriorating standards and their diminished dominance at the Etihad Stadium.

A Drop in Standards

“When you say, ‘Ipswich Town is back’ or ‘against Leicester, is back,’ it takes time,” Guardiola said, hinting at the false optimism surrounding recent performances. “Next season we will be back, really. For now, it’s about survival, qualifying for the Champions League, and fighting for the title if possible. Otherwise, we have to accept that the reality is completely different from the last eight or nine years.”

Once an impenetrable fortress, the Etihad has seen City win just three of their last seven home games since Tottenham ended their two-year unbeaten streak. Guardiola acknowledged that his team’s physicality and ability to regain possession—areas where they once excelled—are now among the worst in the league.

The Need for Composure

“Our problem is with the ball. What defines our team is what we do with the ball,” Guardiola explained. “We’re not an incredible defensive team. We’ve always succeeded by controlling the ball. But now, we’re rushing, making actions without composure. If you don’t pass properly, everything becomes more difficult. You lose the ball, and suddenly you’re forced into more duels. And we’re not great at that.

“Any team in the Premier League is better than us in physicality and regaining possession. It’s confusing for people because we’re running more than ever, but it’s about what you do with the ball.”

The Evolving Game

Guardiola highlighted how the Premier League has evolved since his arrival nine years ago.

“When I first came here, goalkeepers played long balls. Now, they’re like central defenders, building from the back. Teams have adapted. Everyone presses high and plays man-to-man. It’s tougher now to regain the ball and dominate as we once did.

“We used to define ourselves by our control with the ball. But now, we’re struggling, and if we don’t improve, we won’t qualify for the Champions League.”

Searching for Solutions

Guardiola admitted he might need to make tactical changes to help his players feel more comfortable.

“Maybe we need to change the shape or something else. There’s something I’m missing, and I need to figure it out quickly. The players are working hard, but other teams are physically stronger and more intense. Many of our quickest and toughest players have left the club.”

As Manchester City prepares for a pivotal stretch of fixtures, Guardiola’s candid remarks serve as both a challenge and a rallying cry for his team. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Guardiola’s City has significant work to do if they hope to reclaim their dominance.

Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov has officially signed with Manchester City in a deal worth €40 million (£33.8m), with additional performance-based bonuses. The 20-year-old defender joins from Ligue 1 side RC Lens on a four-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club.

Khusanov, who will don the number 45 jersey at City, expressed his excitement about the move. “Joining Manchester City is a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve admired this club for years and am thrilled to now be a part of it. The squad is packed with world-class players, and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and compete alongside them.

“Pep Guardiola is a legendary coach, and the opportunity to work under his guidance is incredible. I’m looking forward to improving my game and taking on this new challenge. This is a proud moment for me and my family.”

City’s Vision for Khusanov
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised the signing, emphasizing Khusanov’s potential. “We’re delighted to welcome Abdukodir to Manchester City. At just 20 years old, he already shows remarkable intelligence on the pitch, combined with strength, aggression, and exceptional pace,” he said.

“Under Pep’s leadership, we’re confident he will develop into an even better player. His determination to improve is clear, and we’re excited to see him grow as part of our squad. This signing aligns with our commitment to maintaining one of Europe’s top teams.”

A Promising Career Path
Khusanov’s journey to the Premier League began with Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, where he launched his professional career. His performances earned him a move to Ligue 1 in 2023, where he featured in 31 matches for RC Lens.

The young defender has also represented Uzbekistan on the international stage, earning 18 caps for his country. His deal with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2029, marking the next chapter in his promising career.

Manchester City has confirmed that Erling Haaland has signed a new contract, extending his stay with the club until the end of the 2033-34 season. The Norwegian striker’s previous agreement was set to expire in June 2027, but he has now pledged his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

The announcement was made through the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account, which stated: “Erling’s here to stay! We’re thrilled to announce Erling Haaland has extended his contract at City to 2034.”

A Stellar Start to Life at City

Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 and immediately made a significant impact. During his debut season, he scored an astonishing 52 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. He followed this remarkable debut with another prolific season, netting 38 goals as City claimed a fourth consecutive league title.

Reflecting on his new contract, Haaland expressed his delight: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club. Manchester City is a special place, filled with incredible people and amazing supporters. It’s the perfect environment to bring out the best in everyone.”

The 24-year-old also extended his gratitude to manager Pep Guardiola, his coaching staff, and his teammates, stating: “They’ve all played a huge role in making my time here so special. I am City, no matter what.”

A Boost Amid Challenges

Haaland’s contract extension is a significant morale boost for Manchester City, especially during a season where they have faced unexpected struggles on the pitch. The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points. Haaland’s decision to commit his future comes at a critical time when City is also awaiting the outcome of an independent disciplinary case concerning over 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations—charges the club has consistently denied.

Outgoing director of football, Txiki Begiristain, hailed the contract extension, saying: “Everyone at the club is overjoyed that Erling has signed this new deal. His commitment reflects both our faith in him and his love for Manchester City. His achievements so far have been extraordinary, and his professionalism, humility, and dedication set a standard for all.”

Aiming for Records and Legacy

With this extended tenure, Haaland has a golden opportunity to chase down some of football’s most prestigious records, including Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League scoring record of 260 goals. Haaland has already accumulated 79 Premier League goals in just 87 games and boasts a total of 111 goals in 126 matches for Manchester City in all competitions.

Begiristain added: “Under Pep’s guidance, Erling will continue to grow and achieve even more. He has the potential to create an incredible legacy here, and this long-term commitment allows him to focus entirely on his football and helping us reach new heights.”

A Busy Transfer Window

The announcement of Haaland’s renewal coincided with reports that Manchester City has reached a verbal agreement to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egyptian forward, who has been in sensational form with 20 goals in 26 appearances this season, is expected to add versatility and depth to City’s attack.

The Longest Contract in European Football

Haaland’s new deal, reportedly worth £500,000 per week, is among the longest active contracts in European football. It eliminates a release clause included in his original agreement and positions Haaland to cement his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. Long-term contracts of this nature are rare in football but are more commonly seen in American sports.

As Haaland continues to shine on the pitch, his extended commitment provides Manchester City with a stable foundation for sustained success in the years to come.