Despite qualifying for the UEFA Champions League play-offs, Manchester City remains ‘too susceptible’ defensively.

**Guardiola Faces Challenges as City Edge Past Brugge**

Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola was visibly engaged during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match against Club Brugge KV at the City of Manchester Stadium on January 29, 2025. His side managed to secure a 3-1 victory, but the performance raised eyebrows among pundits and fans alike.

TNT Sports experts Karen Carney and Ally McCoist have expressed their concerns regarding City’s ability to return to their previous heights. Despite the win, which saw the reigning champions come from behind after conceding an early goal, doubts linger about their prospects in the knockout stages of the competition.

Carney, speaking on Goal Shows Xtra, was particularly critical. “I’m not sure they can be the old City, especially without Rodri,” she stated. “Even in their recent 3-1 victory over Chelsea, they had to adapt their approach, and they appeared vulnerable in transition once again against Brugge.”

She highlighted the issues City faced against teams with physicality and pace, referencing their struggles against Paris Saint-Germain. “There were elements of vulnerability tonight, and Pep needs to tighten things up,” she added. “Had they gone out tonight, it would have been a significant task for him, as he has always guided them through to the knockout stages.”

This season has proven to be a challenging one for City, who have dominated the Premier League in recent years, clinching the title for the last four consecutive seasons. Currently, they find themselves a daunting 12 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. This gap is largely attributed to a dismal run of form that saw them secure just one win in nine matches from late October to December.

However, there are signs of improvement, with City winning four of their last five league fixtures. Yet, McCoist remains sceptical about their revival. “I can’t recall a top team disintegrating before our eyes like this,” he remarked. “They’re not back to their best. There’s a noticeable lack of confidence in the squad.”

While he acknowledged that belief might still exist within the team, he pointed out that confidence is clearly lacking. “The new striker, Omar Marmoush, could provide a much-needed spark,” he noted. “He seems capable of making an immediate impact. But beyond him, there aren’t many players who can exploit defensive weaknesses effectively.”

McCoist also mentioned the absence of key players like Ruben Dias, who he believed could have provided stability. “Clearly, they are missing Rodri, and that’s undeniable,” he said. “I thought Dias would help settle the team, but it didn’t happen.”

Reflecting on the match against PSG, he recalled, “The 35 minutes after they conceded the second goal were unrecognisable. I could hardly believe I was watching Manchester City.”

While City managed to secure the win against Brugge, the questions surrounding their form and future remain unanswered. As they prepare for a two-legged tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, the road ahead looks fraught with challenges for Guardiola and his men.