Manchester City did not look like title winners at the start of the season. They lost games, looked slow, and made mistakes. Many fans were worried. Last season also ended in disappointment. But Pep Guardiola stayed calm. Step by step, he changed his team. Now, halfway through the season, City are only two points behind Arsenal. They have won 12 of their 17 league games. Once again, Guardiola has rebuilt his team in a smart and brave way.
Pep Guardiola Responds After a Difficult Season
Last season was not normal for Manchester City. A club that won six titles in seven years finished third. This season also started badly. The city lost two of their first three matches. Other teams pressed harder and played faster. Arsenal looked strong again. But Pep Guardiola never uses the same system every year. He always looks at his players first. Then he builds a plan around their strengths. This season, injuries and new players forced him to think differently. Slowly, City began to improve. The confidence returned. The wins followed.
Pep Guardiola Changes the Full-Back Role
One of the biggest changes is at full-back. Instead of using normal defenders, Pep Guardiola now uses midfielders. Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes play in these roles. They can run fast, cover long distances, and control the ball well.
When City attack, both full-backs push high up the pitch. Sometimes they stay wide. This allows City’s wingers to move inside and shoot or pass. Other times, the full-backs run into the middle of the box. These late runs are hard to track. O’Reilly has already scored goals this way.
Because these players were midfielders before, they feel comfortable near goal. They can cross, shoot, or pass quickly. When City lose the ball, they recover fast and stop counter-attacks. This balance between attack and defence has helped City control games again.
Guardiola Gives Freedom to His Attackers
Pep Guardiola has also changed how his wingers play. Players like Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki no longer stay wide all the time. They now move inside and play close to each other.
This creates quick passes and one-touch football. It also pulls defenders out of position. When defenders move inside, space opens on the wings. That space is then used by O’Reilly and Nunes.
Having many players in central areas also helps City when they lose the ball. They can press quickly and win it back. It also gives Erling Haaland more support. When City play long balls to him, there are teammates nearby to collect second balls and attack again.
Pep Guardiola Adds More Speed on the Counter
City are still a possession team. But this season, they also attack faster. Pep Guardiola has allowed his team to break forward quickly when space appears.
This suits players like Haaland, Foden, Reijnders, and O’Reilly. City have scored more goals from fast breaks this season than in the last two seasons combined. This change helps them beat strong pressing teams. By playing long and direct at the right time, City avoid pressure and attack open space.
Pep Guardiola’s Changes Excite Man City Fans
Manchester City fans are enjoying this new version of the team. Many supporters say the football feels faster and more exciting. On social media, fans have praised Pep Guardiola for being brave and trying something new again.
Some fans are surprised by the use of midfielders at full-back, but most agree it has worked well. Nico O’Reilly has become a fan favourite because of his energy and late runs into the box. Matheus Nunes is also getting credit for his hard work and pace.
Supporters are happy to see Phil Foden playing with more freedom. Many believe he looks more confident and dangerous this season. Fans also like how City attack quickly instead of slowing the game every time.
Author’s Opinion
Manchester City are winning again, but Pep Guardiola is not fully satisfied. He wants better positioning and more control. The city looks dangerous, hungry, and flexible. With key players returning soon, this team may still improve. Once again, Guardiola is proving why City remain title contenders.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
