Man City fans are used to winter bringing trophies, not trauma. But December 2024 saw the reigning Club World Cup supporters resemble more of a crumbling dynasty than a conquering force. Once a well-oiled winning machine, Pep Guardiola’s side looked more like someone had poured diesel into a Rolls-Royce.
One win in 13 games. Nine losses. Third in the league. The kind of numbers that would make even Burnley fans feel smug.
The Ghost of Trebles Past Haunts Man City
Just twelve months earlier, Man City were gorging on glory—Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Super Cup. They even crushed Fluminense in Jeddah like it was a Sunday stroll. Now? They couldn’t crush a paper cup.
Injuries? Sure. Kevin De Bruyne is doing his best impression of a hologram, and Haaland’s hamstrings are acting like they’ve signed with United. But this isn’t just about muscle strains—this is an identity crisis. Pep’s beloved positional play now looks like musical chairs, only no one’s sitting down when the music stops.
Club World Cup: Man City’s Shot at Redemption or a Paid Vacation?
Thankfully, Man City gets one last dance—the expanded Club World Cup in the U.S. Thirty-two teams, and yes, Josko Gvardiol brought his Croatian pride in his carry-on. He’s not there for sun and selfies. “It’s not a holiday,” he says, deadpan. Probably while holding a sunscreen bottle.
And Rodri? He’s back, finally, after his ACL vacation. Fit, hungry, and perhaps now the spiritual leader of the rebuild.
Man City’s Transfer Tonic: Reijnders In, Grealish Out?
Tijjani Reijnders zipped through a medical faster than a Haaland hat-trick. A £46 million gamble from Milan, he’s hoping to make his mark Stateside. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish’s mysterious vanishing act has fans wondering if he’s already in Ibiza.
Final Whistle
Man City’s fall from grace has been swift, baffling, and oddly entertaining. But write off Pep at your own peril. A wounded City is still a dangerous animal—and the Club World Cup might just be their rehab retreat.
Because if there’s one thing we know, never bet against Man City… unless it’s December.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
