In the end Manchester City’s success has taken a physical toll | OneFootball

Manchester City’s success in recent seasons has been unprecedented. Winning 6 Premier League titles in 7 seven seasons and four consecutive Premier League titles plus every other available trophy in between has seen Pep Guardiola’s side create an almost unparalleled era of dominance of English football. But there has been a price paid for City’s dominance. We are seeing the effects of that this season. Injuries and fatigue have crippled City’s season.

Everything has conspired against Manchester City this season.

These factors, coupled with the drop in form of a host of Manchester City’s senior players and confidence across Pep Guardiola’s squad, have seen City’s level drop alarmingly this season. We have seen late collapses and poor performances across the world champions 24/25 campaign. But it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. After such a busy schedule over previous seasons and last summer’s internationals eventually a price had to be paid for that. It is being paid this season as Manchester City’s players have slowly wilted both physically and mentally.

You always had the sense that last season’s triumph took a toll on the City squad. To win four consecutive Premier League titles is a monumental effort. The fact it had never been achieved in English football previously shows the size of the achievement. But to get to that point Pep Guardiola’s squad had to climb the proverbial mountain once again.

This season we have seen players such as Ruben Dias and Phil Foden struggle with injuries and fatigue. That’s been unheard of in recent seasons for those two in particular. But eventually, the price of Manchester City’s success and a hectic schedule caught up to those two and a host more of City’s players. Then you factor in the injuries and loss of form of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Manuel Akanji, Rodri and more and you see what toll climbing the mountain over and over again has taken on City’s players.

Summary

All is not lost for Manchester City this season. They remain in the fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The FA Cup and Champions League campaigns are still alive. If Pep Guardiola’s side can come away with a trophy and Champions League qualification it will be a successful season. Even qualifying for the Champions League alone will make it a successful season for Manchester City. They have a chance of achieving that, given the fighting spirit of their squad.

But Manchester City’s past success has come at a cost. That cost has been seen this season. That’s the reality of the 24/25 season for Pep Guardiola’s side. All eras end and usually in a harsh way. That’s what has occurred this season as it has become one battle too many for Pep Guardiola’s side.