Liverpool and the Turmoil Around Manchester City's Twilight

For the past eight seasons, the top of the English Premier League has been dominated by only two clubs, Manchester City and Liverpool. The two clubs from the northern region of England have been vying for influence, taking turns winning the league. City, with its financial power, has managed to dominate the competition, securing six titles. This hegemony can only be matched by Liverpool.

Liverpool has repeated its achievement of winning the English Premier League in the 2019-2020 season. "The Reds" secured the title with four matches remaining in the league. This is Liverpool's second title in the Premier League era, which began in 1992. This title feels special, especially for manager Arne Slot, who is in his first season.

In addition to the skilled management of Slot, Liverpool's success cannot be separated from the decline of City. They have been the rulers of the English Premier League for the past eight seasons. City, under manager Pep Guardiola, was unstoppable, becoming the first team in the history of the Premier League to win the league four consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2024.

Liverpool is the only team capable of disrupting City's hegemony. They were also the ones who managed to halt City's championship run for two consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019. Thus, City's failure to retain the league crown this season is somewhat surprising.

The fall of City was not predicted beforehand. "The Citizens" began the 2024-2025 season as usual, achieving victory after victory until they dominated the top of the standings at the start of the season. The difference became apparent as they entered the middle of the season, particularly during the period from November to December.

City's form began to suffer with Rodri's injury. The Spanish defensive midfielder has been sidelined since September with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The season ended prematurely for Rodri, and at the same time City's misery began. Guardiola's team began to be inconsistent.

After achieving two consecutive draws against Arsenal and Newcastle United, City improved their performance and secured three consecutive victories over Fulham, Wolves, and Southampton, despite the absence of Rodri. However, this resurgence was short-lived.

The absence of Rodri has left a significant gap in City's midfield. Mateo Kovacic, who is often designated as his replacement, has struggled to match Rodri's quality. Ultimately, City suffered four consecutive defeats against Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool. These four consecutive losses have caused City to drop out of the top four positions.

City's poor run in the Premier League continued into other competitions, the Champions League and the English League Cup. "The Citizens" failed to overcome Real Madrid in the play-off round of 16. They also lost again to Spurs in the fourth round of the English League Cup. City's chaotic performance also dashed their hopes of retaining the Premier League title. Now the only trophy that City can still win is the FA Cup.

"If we don't win, it's because we miss Rodri," Guardiola said.

From previously being involved in the championship race, City has drastically changed to only fighting for a chance to compete in the Champions League next season. This stark turn of fate is not solely due to the loss of Rodri, but also the recurring injuries affecting other key players such as Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne.

Another interesting perspective regarding City's decline was expressed by midfielder Ilkay Guendogan. According to him, in addition to tactical aspects and injuries, the drop in City's performance is also caused by the loss of the desire to be the best among the entire team.

"I feel that in many matches on our side, perhaps we sometimes focus too much on tactics and do not pay enough attention to behavior. Our own behavior. Having determination, desire, and aggressiveness. Like simple things that are part of the game. But perhaps sometimes you think too much about your own position or whatever. You might forget other things that are normal or at least should be normal," said Guendogan as quoted by ESPN.

Desire or motivation plays a crucial role in encouraging a player to deliver their best performance. In this context, Guendogan's perspective makes sense as City has been indulged in success for quite some time, having won the Premier League four times in a row.

The wheel of fortune does not always keep us at the top forever. Similarly, City this season must accept the reality of being pushed out of the championship competition. What Guardiola needs to do immediately is to reignite the motivation of the players to pursue titles next season, reminding them that they are no longer the best team in England. There are Liverpool and Arsenal, who are becoming increasingly formidable each season.

The latest turmoil, and the most crucial, to hit City is the departure of Director of Football Txiki Begiristain. This close friend of Guardiola decided to step down in September 2024. He was the first to recognize Guardiola's managerial talent while he was still at Barcelona.

"The sixth sense" Begiristain is capable of seeing what others do not witness. He plays a crucial role in bringing in several players who ultimately shine alongside City, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ederson.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Guardiola is deeply saddened by the loss of Begiristain. For Guardiola, he is the equal partner who helped him achieve glory at Barca and City. Guardiola is like a skilled chef, while Begiristain is the one who sources high-quality ingredients for cooking.

Speculation regarding Guardiola's future at City has intensified following Begiristain's departure. Guardiola has been widely rumored to be leaving City. However, he ultimately quelled the speculation by accepting a two-season contract extension.

"Part of me will be gone. A friend of mine. I will say he is the architect who created one of the best teams in Barcelona and now here. He kept me balanced in this job. I am very energetic, and when we lose, I want to destroy everything, and he always said, 'take a moment.'" said Guardiola.

The collaboration between Begiristain and Guardiola continues until the end of this season. No one can confirm how Guardiola's performance will be next season without Begiristain's presence. One thing is certain, City will never be the same again. City's decline this season is very likely to be repeated if Hugo Viana, who has been appointed as the replacement, fails to match Begiristain's quality. (REUTERS)