Manchester City‘s recent struggles went on when they lost a three-goal lead in a thrilling Champions League match against Feyenoord, drawing 3-3. City has not won six straight games after the tie, and manager Pep Guardiola is having his worst season as team manager.
The match seemed to be going well as Guardiola’s squad seized a 3-0 lead with two goals from Erling Haaland and a deflected volley from Ilkay Gundogan. But Feyenoord’s late comeback surprised everyone, including Guardiola.
In the 75th minute, Anis Hadj Moussa of Feyenoord scored a goal back after Josko Gvardiol made a defensive blunder. Substitute Santiago Gimenez further rattled City with a close-range goal moments later. Then, David Hancko headed in the equalizer to complete the stunning comeback.
Despite excellent performances from important players like Haaland, Gundogan, and De Bruyne, City’s failure to maintain their lead is a serious worry. Although the tie ends a five-game losing streak, given the situation, it feels more like a loss.
When the team was ahead 3-0 in the second half, Guardiola appeared to have made a hasty move to substitute younger players like James McAtee and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Though Feyenoord had other ideas, his move suggested that he believed the game was won.
The goals were clearly the result of defensive blunders. Ederson’s dubious goalkeeping and Gvardiol’s reckless back pass both played a part in the collapse. Even though the squad had well-known players like Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Haaland, and De Bruyne, none of them were able to save the team’s shocking collapse.
The outcome casts severe questions on City’s form and puts them in 15th place in the Champions League standings. Guardiola’s team now has a crucial encounter against Liverpool, and a defeat at Anfield could put them 11 points behind the Premier League leaders.
During the post-game press conference, Guardiola voiced his frustration, admitting that the team held the ball for the majority of the game but “gave away three goals,” particularly the first one that could have been prevented. He stated, “The team was so committed, but as soon as something happens, the team is not strong enough.”
Regarding the audience’s response, he added that the booing at full-time was appropriate. “They come here to watch the team perform, not to reminisce about the past. Naturally, people have every right to voice their emotions,” he remarked.
After the game, Brian Priske, the head coach of Feyenoord, was gushing about his team. “The players remained in the game, kept pushing, and kept believing,” Priske stated, despite losing 3-0. He called the comeback an “unbelievable” accomplishment, particularly in comparison to what he still views as “the best team in the world.”
Priske acknowledged that his squad had a difficult first twenty-five minutes, but they made no tactical adjustments after falling behind three goals. Rather, he attributed the final attraction to their unique qualities and beliefs. He gave his guys credit for remaining committed and persevering till the end.
Manchester City, whose play has sputtered in recent weeks, has suffered yet another defeat with this outcome. With an increasingly difficult schedule, Guardiola will need to address the team’s shortcomings, especially in defense. Although the players’ dedication is evident, the team still struggles with mental toughness under stressful situations.
