Manchester City Are Still In Crisis Mode
By Nick Burgess
@NickBurgess92
Getty Images
Manchester City pulled off one of the comebacks of the year against Bayern Munich in midweek. After going ahead thanks to a Sergio Aguero penalty and a Mehdi Benatia sending off, Munich went 2-1 up thanks to a Xabi Alonso free kick and a looping header from Robert Lewandowski. In the final five minutes, Alonso made a mistake that got the ball back to Aguero for his second, and a defensive error from Jerome Boateng sealed the Aguero hat trick and an improbable comeback against the Bavarian giants.
Make no mistake, however. Manchester City are still in full on crisis mode. Were it not for Aguero, the Citizens may be in the market for a new manager after the failings of this season so far. Losing to Newcastle United in the League Cup, letting the lead slip away against CSKA Moscow and losing to the Russians, then drawing at Queens Park Rangers and having to come from behind against Swansea City have led to many turning a critical eye to the Sky Blues.
With Aguero in sensational form, City are in far better position than they should be, both in the Premier League and in the Champions League. He looks to be the only player with the drive and desire to win games, while the team behind him looks almost disinterested.
It may come down to Manuel Pelligrini‘s rigid insistence on using his 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formation no matter the opposition. This has led to the midfield being bossed in the middle thanks to the lack of interest (and suspensions) of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho.
Pelligrini appears to be losing his dressing room, and a refreshing of personnel may be necessary in the immediate future. Whether it’s the manager who goes or some new blood is brought in to replace the aging superstars, something needs to be done quickly if Manchester City are looking to seriously contend, not only in England, but in Europe.
Nick Burgess is a soccer columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBurgess92, “Like” him on Facebook and connect with him on Google.
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