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As Pep Guardiola prepares for the Manchester derby, the pressure mounts amid Manchester City’s worst run of form in years. The defending Premier League champions have managed just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions, including a humbling 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League midweek.
City’s struggles are an unusual sight, especially under Guardiola, whose side has dominated English football with six Premier League titles in the last seven years. However, injuries, defensive frailties, and a lack of confidence have left the team vulnerable ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola faces off against Ruben Amorim, United’s newly appointed manager, who has had a challenging start at Old Trafford. United are in 13th place after back-to-back league losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, though Amorim secured a narrow 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.
Guardiola Under Pressure
City’s recent collapse has taken a toll on Guardiola, who admitted in a recent interview that the stress has affected his sleep and appetite. Despite this, he remained defiant on Friday, insisting he was “fine” and determined to turn things around.
“In good moments I am happier, but when I get to the next game, I am still concerned about what I have to do,” Guardiola said. However, with only three fit defenders available, the task is daunting.
Adding to the tension, Guardiola has bitter memories of Amorim’s tactics. Earlier this season, Amorim’s Sporting CP stunned City with a 4-1 victory in the Champions League, exposing defensive weaknesses with a hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres. Guardiola will be eager for revenge, though his side’s form raises questions about their readiness to deliver.
Amorim’s Challenges
While City’s slump dominates headlines, Amorim has his own problems. With just one league win in four matches since replacing Erik ten Hag, United are struggling for consistency. Their recent performances lack fluency, and Amorim admits the team faces significant issues.
“We will face a great opponent, and I’m more focused on our problems,” Amorim said. “The great teams can respond at any moment, and I think they are in a better place than us in terms of understanding the game.”
Amorim’s main task is to avoid giving City the space and rhythm they need to regain their attacking spark, particularly in a high-stakes derby where emotions run high.
A Season-Defining Clash
Sunday’s derby could be pivotal for both sides. City, currently fourth and eight points behind leaders Liverpool, risk falling further behind in the title race. United, languishing in the bottom half of the table, need a morale-boosting result to steady their turbulent campaign.
As the Etihad Stadium braces for one of the most unpredictable Manchester derbies in recent memory, both Guardiola and Amorim have everything to prove.
