Pep Guardiola risks ‘outstaying his welcome’ ahead of pivotal Manchester derby
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has received a warning and been told of the importance of the derby against Man United.
Defeats against Tottenham and Brighton have left Man City in the bottom half of the Premier League table after three games.
Man City have endured a transitional summer on the pitch as Guardiola enters his ninth season in charge of the club.
The Citizens welcome Man United to the Etihad with the pressure of going nine points behind top of the table Liverpool, if they beat Burnley.
Pep Guardiola likened to Arsene Wenger
Oliver Brown, in The Telegraph [11 September], believes Guardiola continuing at Man City could hinder his legacy at the club, similar to that of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
“Guardiola increasingly invites parallels with Arsene Wenger as a figure who has outstayed his welcome,” Brown said.
| Games Managed | 536 |
| Games Won | 377 |
| Games Drawn | 77 |
| Games Lost | 82 |
“The same danger stalks Guardiola, who has gone from being heralded for his aesthetic sophistication – enshrined in a desire for his side to play a “thousand, million passes”– to cursed for his obstinacy.
“Lose in Sunday’s Manchester derby and we will not be far from a repeat of last season’s tailspin, which reached its nadir with City fans booing a chaotic Champions League performance against Feyenoord.
“Yes, the campaign is only three games old, but no team since United 32 years ago have suffered two defeats in that period and gone on to be anointed champions.”
Man City failed to win a trophy last season, with an injury to midfielder Rodri hindering performances under Guardiola.
Manchester derby pressure for Pep Guardiola
Losing against their biggest rivals will hurt Guardiola, but letting Liverpool have such an lead this early into the season could cause the biggest damage.
Following continued success, Guardiola is expected to bring a trophy back to the Etihad again this season now Rodri has returned.
Firstly though Guardiola must focus on beating a Man United side who have also had an inconsistent start.
Omar Marmoush is out of the Manchester derby, and Guardiola must decide whether he starts Gianluigi Donnarumma or James Trafford in goal.
After Erling Haaland scored five for Norway, the striker comes into the fixture in fine form and is currently one of the major positives for Guardiola.
Man United have won on their last two visits to the Etihad so Guardiola must change that statistic to ensure Man City stay in the title race.