Pep Guardiola is wrestling with the worst form of his career as Manchester City prepare for a high-stakes derby against a struggling Manchester United led by new boss Ruben Amorim.
City approaches Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium during an astonishing downturn, with just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League marked their seventh loss in that spell, a shocking collapse for a team that has dominated English football with six Premier League titles in seven years.
Guardiola, known for his meticulous preparation, has admitted to sleepless nights and an ugly state of mind as he navigates this challenging period. “In good moments I am happier but when I get to the next game I am still concerned about what I have to do. There is no human being that makes an activity and it doesn’t matter how they do,” he said.
United, under Amorim, have also struggled, sitting 13th in the league after inconsistent results. However, Amorim has already bested Guardiola this season, leading Sporting to a stunning 4-1 Champions League victory over City in November. Viktor Gyokeres’ hat trick in that match ruthlessly exposed City’s defensive frailties, a memory Guardiola will be keen to erase.
Despite their respective struggles, the derby allows both sides to steady their shaky campaigns.
City’s woes stem from injuries, a fragile defence, and plummeting confidence. Guardiola could be without key defenders on Sunday, leaving his side vulnerable to further punishment. Currently fourth in the league, City trail leaders Liverpool by eight points, with Slot’s side holding a game in hand.
For Amorim, Sunday marks his first Premier League Manchester derby. Although his tenure began with promise, United’s inconsistency has persisted, with just one league win in four attempts under his management.
Speaking ahead of the derby, Amorim downplayed City’s struggles: “The great teams can respond in any moment. I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game.”
United’s issues were on display in their nervy 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on Thursday. Amorim, tasked with rebuilding the team after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, admitted his focus is squarely on his own side’s problems.
The Manchester derby offers little room for error as both managers look to turn their fortunes around. A win for Guardiola would soothe growing unease among City fans, while Amorim could cement his authority with a statement victory in his first taste of English football’s fiercest rivalry.
