Manchester City Rebounds with Team Spirit and Leadership Changes Ahead of Key Clash with Liverpool

omidbasir- Two days before their match against Bournemouth last Sunday, Manchester City organized a Halloween party for players and their families, featuring a cinema-style entrance adorned with ‘Wanted’ and ‘Missing’ posters of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Guests, including defender Rúben Dias dressed as Jack Sparrow, were welcomed into an old-school theater atmosphere with red velvet curtains and a marquee sign that read, ‘Now screening: I Know What You Did Last Season,’ humorously referencing their recent struggles.

The 2024-25 season has been challenging for City, marked by injuries and a notable decline in form, contrasting sharply with their previous four Premier League championship wins. While players and staff can now jest about the situation, there remains a palpable desire to demonstrate that they are on the road to recovery.

Guardiola has been reticent to discuss the team’s potential for this season. Their performance has been mixed, with commendable victories over Manchester United and Napoli, paired with losses to Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Aston Villa. Nevertheless, City currently sit second in the league standings, poised for a significant test against Liverpool.

In an effort to stabilize the team, Guardiola has altered his approach, notably canceling training the day before the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund to give players a day off. This decision, which required special approval from UEFA, aimed to alleviate the risk of injuries that plagued the previous season. The strategy proved effective as City triumphed over Dortmund 4-1, ascending to fourth in the Champions League standings.

Off the pitch, the squad has lost over 1,500 games of experience due to the departures of key players like Éderson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündogan, and Kevin De Bruyne. Defender Josko Gvardiol commented on the palpable difference in the locker room, acknowledging the normalcy of such transitions in football. In response, Guardiola has taken a more hands-on role in team leadership, personally selecting captains rather than leaving it to player votes, aiming to foster unity and address last season’s shortcomings.

Activities like the Halloween party, while seemingly trivial, play a crucial role in rebuilding team spirit. Guardiola emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, closely monitoring the team’s morale and dynamics during training and matches.

The new leadership group, led by Bernardo Silva and supported by Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland, is adapting to the loss of previous big personalities. Surprising choices, such as including Haaland, have paid off; he has emerged as a formidable leader on the pitch, scoring 18 goals and demonstrating improved defensive commitment. Off the field, Haaland stepped up to take on media responsibilities ahead of the Dortmund match, showcasing his growth.

Reflecting on last season’s disappointments, Haaland remarked on the need for a more stable and impactful performance from the team. The previous season was particularly painful, highlighted by cup final losses and league defeats.

Despite the upheaval, Guardiola has remained a constant presence, recently extending his contract until 2027, dismissing any doubts about his commitment or energy. Gvardiol expressed confidence in Guardiola’s enduring drive, recognizing his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to inspire players.

As City prepares to face Liverpool again, following a tumultuous previous encounter, Guardiola’s mood is markedly more optimistic. With a record of just one defeat in their last 13 matches, he eagerly anticipates the upcoming clash, viewing it as another opportunity to demonstrate that the struggles of last season are firmly behind them.