As we approach the final international break of 2024, European football has brought exciting headlines. Manchester City faces a rare slump under Pep Guardiola, with four consecutive defeats—an unprecedented streak for the City manager. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s triumph was overshadowed by the significant loss of Éder Militão to injury, which leaves a hole in their defense. The weekend also saw intense Premier League action, with Chelsea taking on Arsenal and Manchester United bidding farewell to interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy with a win. Bayern Munich and Liverpool both came through with wins as well, though the Bavarians seemed to struggle against St. Pauli.
Here’s a look at the top stories in European football right now.
Manchester City’s Uncharacteristic Struggles: What’s Going Wrong?
For the first time in his career, Pep Guardiola is facing four consecutive losses across all competitions, sparking questions about Manchester City’s form. While the numbers may look concerning, each loss has unique factors. The defeat to Tottenham in the League Cup came with some rotation, as Erling Haaland didn’t play. Bournemouth’s loss was a poor performance, and while City lost 4-1 to Sporting Lisbon, they had plenty of chances. Against Brighton, Haaland could have scored a hat-trick, yet City faltered in the second half due to defensive errors.
City’s issues aren’t entirely due to the absence of Rodri, though his influence is undoubtedly missed. Guardiola has yet to find a successful scheme to compensate for Rodri, even with talents like Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, and Ilkay Gündogan available. The defense has also been inconsistent, allowing 17 goals this season—up from 11 at the same stage last year.
Injuries have plagued City’s lineup, with Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish all limited in appearances. Haaland, who’s known for exceeding his expected goals (xG), has been just under that mark this season, hinting at a potential fatigue or drop in sharpness. City’s upcoming matches after the international break, especially against Tottenham and Liverpool, will be crucial in setting the tone for their season.
Real Madrid’s Injury Woes Despite Victory
Real Madrid celebrated a commanding win, but the triumph came with a serious cost—defender Éder Militão’s injury. His absence will be a significant challenge for a defense that has already seen struggles this season. Real Madrid’s depth will be tested, especially as they push forward in La Liga and the Champions League. The road ahead looks challenging, as Carlo Ancelotti needs to manage rotations carefully to keep his squad balanced and competitive.
Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund: Mixed Results Across Europe
Bayern Munich secured a 1-0 win over St. Pauli but looked less dominant than expected, suggesting areas of improvement as they look to maintain their Bundesliga title hopes. Liverpool continued their winning ways, while Borussia Dortmund stumbled in a disappointing loss to Mainz. For Dortmund, the defeat raises questions about their consistency, especially as they chase Bundesliga rivals Bayern and seek Champions League success.
A Cycle Ending at Manchester City?
Manchester City’s current form suggests they may be at the end of a cycle. Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain is set to depart in June, and Pep Guardiola’s future is uncertain as he hasn’t committed to a new contract. With ongoing investigations and over 100 charges looming over the club, City’s situation remains complex. The summer transfer activity was minimal, with veteran Gundogan returning, hinting at a lack of long-term planning. Guardiola’s challenge is to keep the team’s momentum alive amid these uncertainties.
Premier League Drama: Chelsea vs. Arsenal and Manchester United’s Transition
In the Premier League, Chelsea’s showdown with Arsenal brought high expectations, while Manchester United said goodbye to interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy with a victory. Arsenal’s improved form signals their determination to remain title contenders, and Chelsea’s strong performance could reignite their season. United, meanwhile, looks to a new era with hopes of finding stability and consistency.
