Guardiola’s frustration at Man City: ‘Kovacic and Gundogan missing in action.’

Pep Guardiola is enduring an unprecedented slump at Manchester City, struggling to find a suitable replacement for Rodri in defensive midfield.

City have now lost nine of their last 12 matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on December 21. Despite acquiring Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic in recent transfer windows, neither has been able to adequately fill the void left by Rodri’s absence.

Rodri’s injury in September exposed a significant weakness in the team, leaving them unable to replicate the dominance and cohesion that powered their previous title-winning campaigns. Without him, the reigning champions appear disjointed and far from their usual standards.

City’s only win in their last 10 matches came against Nottingham Forest, where Kevin De Bruyne’s return provided a brief spark. However, their midfield struggles persist, with no clear solution in sight.

Hopes of signing Bruno Guimarães or Martin Zubimendi in January have been dashed, as both players are now unlikely to join, according to the Manchester Evening News. This has left City exploring less inspiring options like Paul Pogba, a move that has raised questions about their transfer strategy.

Statistics highlight the issue: since the start of last season, City went unbeaten in 36 matches with Rodri in the starting XI. Without him, their form has plummeted.

The pressure is mounting on Guardiola, an unusual scenario for a manager who has delivered four consecutive Premier League titles. Fans are growing frustrated as the team falls out of the title race and faces potential Champions League humiliation.

Domestically, City trail the league leaders by nine points, a gap that could grow to 12 if Liverpool win their next match. Fatigue, uninspired performances, and the cloud of 115 charges against the club have turned this season into one of Guardiola’s toughest ch

allenges yet.