Albert Einstein made mistakes, as did Galileo, Newton, Aristotle, Freud and just about every genius in the history of mankind. It shows that Pep Guardiola is in exalted company when it comes to ‘dropping a bollock’ every now and then.
The only way to avoid mistakes is to regurgitate knowledge that has already been tested – even then you run the risk of repeating past errors – falling into Einstein’s definition of insanity, that of ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’
Guardiola’s DNA demands that he perpetually pushes the boundaries of perceived wisdom and tactical invention. Five losses and one devastatingly bad draw over a period of five weeks shouldn’t detract from the reality of the Manchester City manager’s football genius.
Pep has single handedly revolutionized football in this country. Every team now plays – or attempts to play – out from the back. He introduced the use of inverted full backs to the Premier League. He won back-to-back titles utilizing a ‘False 9’ formation. His tactical acumen is continually evolving, he’s the best of the best.
So why does he teeter on the brink of madness by persevering with a high line defence which is breached with alarming regularity – just five clean sheets in 19 games?
The 5-In-A-Row reversals against Spurs, Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon, Brighton and Spurs once again, followed by the catastrophic capitulation against Feyenoord is virgin territory for Pep.
He’s never lost five games on the bounce. The last time City lost five consecutive matches was under the ‘leadership’ of Stuart Pearce – an ‘era’ when simply crossing the halfway line or winning a corner was cause for celebration.
The media assertion that a winless November should have Pep panicking is preposterous.
Any ‘panic’ should be limited to the presence of Lord David Pannick KC – another serial winner – presently in the process of handing the Premier League its arse, laying to rest City’s 115 alleged breaches of the discredited and inappropriately named, ‘Financial Fair Play’ rules.
‘Crisis’ is a word being bandied around, such is the glee and eagerness to exaggerate City’s dip in standards. Under Guardiola, ‘Typical City’ is one of relentless success, rarely conceding goals, scoring by the bucketload and bagging the top trophies.
Old school City fans know all too well ‘Typical City’, was a self-deprecating term as their team contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a myriad of mind-boggling ways.
The younger generation of supporters have been spoilt rotten by Pep – and to a lesser extent – Manuel Pellegrini and Roberto Mancini.
Unbridled success triggers unrealistic expectations, but Pep isn’t one for hiding behind excuses. How often have we heard him state, “It is what it is.”
Guardiola is rightly proud of his 18 trophies at City, but he’s philosophical and ready to prove himself all over again in the face of adversity.
“I want this challenge. Life isn’t easy. This is when you prove what you can do. It’s not an excuse that Rodri is not there, or four central defenders are out – you have to deal with these things… I have to find a solution, I have to find a way to do it, and I’m trying every day.
"We lost five games, drew the last one when we should have won, but it happens in football – I have to accept it – no complaining, no blaming, no pointing, no running away from my responsibility. I have it all on my shoulders. I have it and I want it.
"At this football club you have to win. If you don't, you will be in trouble. I know the people say, 'Why is Pep not in trouble, why is Pep not sacked?”
It’d be an exceptionally cold day in hell if Pep was ever asked to leave the Etihad!
So, what is the problem? Injuries have – and continue – to be a huge factor.
Rodri’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury has had a predictably devastating effect. The loss of City’s metronome – officially the best footballer in the world – was always going to be seismic.
Kevin De Bruyne’s prolonged absence has drastically reduced the midfield creativity and cut the supply lines to Erling Haaland.
Oscar Bobb was clearly earmarked for regular first team duties, but his leg break has meant an over reliance on an inexperienced Savinho. The young Brazilian oozes potential but wasn’t expected to be thrown in at the deep end from the get-go.
At the opposite end of the age spectrum the returning Gundogan wouldn’t have expected to be playing three times a week. Loved and revered for his trophy laden seven-year stint at the Etihad, Silky Ilkay isn’t the midfield force from the 2023 Treble winning team.
It was a cruel irony that the 34-year old German was having his best game of the season before being substituted against Feyenoord and the subsequent City collapse.
Injuries to John Stones, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias has meant constant disruption to the back four, Dias’ absence being particularly noteworthy in the winless struggle.
How Dias isn’t City’s captain beggars’ belief at a time when the team is crying out for an on-field commander-in-chief. He leads by example and marshals the defence in Kompany-eque fashion.
His rallying cry will resonate with City fans, especially those unaccustomed to losing.
“My specific message to our fans is this: More than ever block out the noise. Protect their house, protect their players. There will always be opinions in football, but always protect your house. Protect your own.
“We can go against the world, if we have to, we are fighting for the same team, the same club, the same project and the same dream.
“As long as we stick together, we will always find a way through because everything turns in the end and the light shines through.”
Such oratory is welcome at a time when City’s usual aura of positivity and nigh on perfection has been replaced – at least temporarily – by pessimism and pitfalls.
Whether Dias will be fit to lead the fight as City go to Anfield – their historical bogey ground – remains to be seen. His return cannot come soon enough.
Were it not for Arne Slot’s stunning start after succeeding ‘gurning’ Jurgen, the Premier League would be much of a muchness, but a loss to Liverpool would open an eleven-point advantage for the Scousers.
It wouldn’t be mission impossible for City to capture an unprecedented 5-In-A-Row PL titles – more like mission improbable – but if anyone can do it the clever money would be on Pep.
By David Walker
Dedicated to Owen – a mad keen 13-year old City fan and part of the Gloucester & Cheltenham Blues Family – who’s undergoing critical heart surgery next Friday. He’s already seen City win the lot in his young life and there’s plenty more to come – you’re in our thoughts kid!
Twitter @ReadButNeverRed
Brilliant read, Dave 🩵
Keep the faith! What a joyous day it would be to get back on track with a win at Anfield.
Well said that man it's pity some of our fans aren't thinking the same way. None of us like were we are but hitting out and blaming everyone from Pep to the team lady is just wrong. As you rightly point out Pep will get it right given time. Can't understand some of the venom being directed at Rico and other youngsters have long hard look at yourselves. Totally agree why isn't Dias captain.
I always feel better for reading your excellent writing- great work as always David #CTWD
The fact that Pep is a football genius and has led this club to unbelievable heights doesn't shield him from justified criticism. His positioning of players sometimes leaves me scratching my head (e.g., Savinho as inside forward against Spurs when it was crying out for a winger) - but I trust him to get the team back on track (but probably not away at the dippers!)