Manchester City’s injury crisis has cast doubt over their ability to maintain their Premier League dominance, but former City defender Danny Mills believes the reigning champions have the resources and experience to recover.
Despite a rare dip in form, Mills insists City still boast the strongest squad in the league and can challenge Liverpool at the top of the table.
With key players like Rodri, Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Jack Grealish sidelined, Manchester City are enduring one of their toughest spells under Pep Guardiola.
The reigning champions have suffered four consecutive defeats in all competitions—a first in Guardiola’s illustrious career—and now trail Liverpool by five points.
Recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s absence has been particularly significant. City’s win percentage plummets from 77.8% with Rodri in the lineup to 53.8% without him, highlighting his crucial role. However, Danny Mills suggests the injury crisis might also indicate deeper issues.
“If you have that many injuries, you have to look at why,” Mills said. “Are they muscle injuries linked to training? Are players being overplayed? These are questions City must address.”
City’s Squad Depth: The Key to Recovery
Mills argues that, even with the current injury crisis, Manchester City’s squad depth remains unmatched. The club can field internationals in every position, offering Guardiola a variety of tactical options. The challenge, Mills asserts, lies in adapting to the absence of key players like Rodri.
“City have found ways to win before without stars,” Mills said. “They played a false nine when Aguero was injured, and they adapted during Vincent Kompany’s absences. That adaptability is what separates great teams from good ones.”
City’s midfield still includes world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic, while Phil Foden’s versatility adds another dimension. Mills believes this talent pool can mitigate the impact of missing Rodri, even if adjustments are required.
Rodri’s Absence: A Tactical Gap to Fill
Rodri’s role as a holding midfielder has been pivotal for City. His ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate forward play makes him irreplaceable. However, Guardiola has a track record of innovation. During Fernandinho’s tenure in the same role, City achieved similar success.
Guardiola’s tactical acumen will now be tested again. Can he rediscover the balance that Rodri brings? Mills believes the answer lies in leveraging players like De Bruyne and Silva, whose creativity and vision can compensate for the loss of a traditional defensive midfielder.
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Liverpool’s Resurgence: The Title Race Heats Up
While City struggle, Liverpool have capitalized on their rivals’ misfortune. Jurgen Klopp’s side has amassed 28 points from the first 33 available, their second-best start to a Premier League season. Their consistency has given them a five-point lead at the summit, with Manchester City set to visit Anfield on December 1.
However, Mills remains unconvinced that Liverpool will maintain their current form without facing challenges of their own.
“Liverpool are in great form, but they will hit a rough patch,” Mills said. “How they respond will determine if they can stay ahead of City.”
Guardiola’s Future: A Distraction or Motivation?
Another concern for City is the uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future. Mills suggests this could be affecting the team’s morale, drawing parallels with Alex Ferguson’s announced retirement at Manchester United, which led to a mid-season dip in form.
“Players can be unsettled by uncertainty,” Mills explained. “If Guardiola’s future is unclear, it’s bound to have some impact on the dressing room.”
Guardiola’s contract runs until 2025, but speculation about his next move could create unnecessary distractions. Whether this uncertainty fuels City’s determination or becomes a hindrance remains to be seen.
What City Must Do to Reclaim the Top Spot
- Adapt to Rodri’s Absence: Guardiola must find a tactical solution that minimizes the impact of losing Rodri. Experimenting with formations and utilizing squad depth will be critical.
- Focus on Recovery: Mills highlights the need for better injury management. Assessing training methods, player rotation, and recovery protocols could prevent further setbacks.
- Maintain Mental Toughness: Despite their recent struggles, City have experience chasing down title rivals. A focused and motivated approach can help them overcome the current gap.
- Leverage Key Fixtures: The upcoming clash with Liverpool at Anfield presents an opportunity for City to close the gap. Historically, Guardiola’s teams have thrived under pressure in such high-stakes encounters.
- Maximize Squad Depth: Players like Foden, Silva, and De Bruyne must step up during this challenging period. Their performances will be crucial in keeping City’s title hopes alive.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Title Race Is Far From Over
City’s current form might be concerning, but their track record under Guardiola speaks volumes. They have overcome similar challenges in the past, often finishing seasons on a high. With over half the campaign still to play, there’s ample time for a resurgence.
Liverpool, while strong, have not faced a major dip in form this season. If and when that happens, the pressure of staying ahead could test their resilience.
