Is Manchester City/Guardiola dealing with a motivation crisis?

It’s no secret that Premier League bullies Manchester City make it an habit of starting a new campaign on a slow momentum before kicking its gears once a new year beckons.

However, the 2024/25 is starting to look like the 2019/20 season for Pep Guardiola’s side. And this has made us question whether the poor form so far this season is more on psychology than it is fitness.

The current downturn in Manchester City’s momentum likely stems from a combination of both motivation issues and critical injuries, particularly with the absence of influential midfielder Rodri.

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City’s recent string of defeats is unusual for a Guardiola-led side, but given their remarkable track record of success, a dip in motivation could be inevitable after years of dominance.

Players who have been part of title-winning squads often face a natural decline in intensity, and as Guardiola himself suggested, the hunger for the league title may not be as sharp as in previous years.

However, poor form and injuries are amplifying the problem, making the team’s usual fluidity harder to achieve. Rodri’s absence is particularly significant.

As a linchpin in City’s midfield, he not only provides defensive cover but also acts as the primary distributor, linking play from defense to attack.

Without Rodri, the Manchester City midfield lacks its usual control and rhythm, leaving gaps that opponents have begun exploiting.

His replacement options, while talented, don’t bring the same balance or positional intelligence, causing a destabilizing effect on the entire team structure.

Furthermore, with other key players enduring form fluctuations, Manchester City has struggled to maintain the pressing intensity and cohesion that characterized their best performances.

Guardiola’s system thrives on precise execution, and injuries to core players, particularly in midfield, disrupt this balance. The morale impact of such disruptions is significant; even the most motivated teams struggle when pivotal players are sidelined for extended periods, leading to frustration and mounting pressure.

Ultimately, while motivation may be playing a part, it seems that poor form and the specific absence of players like Rodri are proving decisive. Injuries and inconsistent performances have stalled City’s characteristic rhythm and, if unaddressed, could prevent them from recovering the relentless momentum needed to keep pace with league leaders.

Guardiola’s task now is to reinvigorate his team’s motivation while finding effective replacements or tactical adjustments to cover for these critical absences.