Pep Guardiola makes a point that has been lost at times that some of his players aren’t what they were | OneFootball

Manchester City played out an entertaining 2-all with Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday. The game saw both teams have their moments, but throughout the game, Manchester City’s well-known frailties stood out. This season has seen Manchester City’s warriors drop their standards and level of play from previous seasons. Speaking after City’s draw with Brighton Pep Guardiola acknowledged that this group of City players aren’t what they were. At times this season, that fact has been lost in the coverage of City’s decline.

Speaking after Manchester City’s draw with Brighton Pep Guardiola was asked what the difference was between this season and previous campaigns. The Manchester City manager was asked why his team had dropped off, given that it is primarily the same players in the City squad as in previous seasons. Guardiola said that while the players are the same, they aren’t at the same level as they were. Guardiola’s quote in full explaining the situation was: “People say how well Manchester City have played in recent years and one of the reasons is our work ethic, our discipline. We conceded few. This season is an exception in our period here together. We don’t have the same players, definitely not. We are not the same as the last years – and it will be different next year.”

Pep Guardiola makes a valid point and it has been glossed over at times.

Pep Guardiola makes a valid point. This group of Manchester City players aren’t what they were. That has been clear to see for some time. We have seen that as individual errors, a lack of legs and no pace in midfield and at the back has hindered Manchester City’s play. We have seen players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker for example and there are others to be included in that group drop from their usual high standards. That’s the symptom of age and battles fought and won in previous seasons catching up to City’s senior players and leaders. It was always going to happen at some point as nothing lasts forever. What has happened this season is the drop-off hit Manchester City’s senior players all at the same time.

You do sense that the fact that City’s players aren’t what they once were has been lost at times. The expectation throughout City’s poor run of results, which kicked in at the end of November and ran throughout December, was that they’d snap out of their funk. But that never occurred. What we see now is what this Manchester City side currently is. It won’t change until the summer transfer window. New players will arrive and a host of players will leave the club. That’s the reality of where City are. It shouldn’t be forgotten when judging Manchester City’s performances such as the one we saw against Brighton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola made an extremely valid point after his team’s draw with Brighton. These Manchester City players aren’t what they were. They will never be that again. That’s the reality of the 24/25 season for Pep Guardiola’s side. That will also be the tale of this season when it is written at the conclusion of a frustrating campaign for Manchester City.