Manchester City Embraces Change as They Prepare for Liverpool Clash

Two days before facing Bournemouth, Manchester City hosted a Halloween party for players and their families. The venue featured a cinema-style entrance adorned with “Wanted” and “Missing” posters showcasing the squad. Guests, including defender Rúben Dias dressed as Jack Sparrow, entered through a vintage theater scene complete with red velvet curtains and a marquee that read, “Now screening: I Know What You Did Last Season,” humorously referencing the team’s previous campaign.

The 2024-25 season has proven challenging for City, marked by injuries and a significant decline in form, contrasting sharply with their previous four Premier League title wins. While players and staff can now laugh about their situation, there remains a strong desire to demonstrate a full recovery from last season’s difficulties.

Pep Guardiola has refrained from engaging with questions about the team’s potential this season, a sentiment echoed in their mixed performance thus far. Notable wins against Manchester United and Napoli are countered by disappointing losses to Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Aston Villa. Despite these inconsistencies, City currently stands second in the league, gearing up for a critical home match against Liverpool, which may clarify their status as title contenders or reveal lingering rebuilding needs.

In an effort to reset the team’s trajectory, Guardiola made an uncharacteristic decision to cancel training the day before their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, allowing players a day of rest. This was a direct response to Dortmund having more preparation time, as their Bundesliga match had been rescheduled. Guardiola emphasized the importance of avoiding the injuries that plagued last season, stating that this move required special approval from UEFA but ultimately paid off as City defeated Dortmund 4-1.

Off the pitch, the squad faces a significant loss of experience due to the departures of key figures such as Éderson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündogan, and Kevin De Bruyne, a transition noted by defender Josko Gvardiol. He remarked on the palpable changes within the team, acknowledging that in football, such shifts are commonplace.

To foster unity, Guardiola has taken a more direct approach in leadership selection, appointing captains himself for the first time. This decision reflects his commitment to addressing the lack of cohesion that contributed to last season’s failures.

While organizing events like the Halloween party may seem trivial, it plays a crucial role in restoring team spirit. Guardiola is attentive to the dynamics within the squad, focusing on aspects such as body language during training and matches. The loss of prominent personalities has also allowed new leaders to emerge, with Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland forming the new leadership core.

Haaland’s appointment as a leader caught some by surprise, but Guardiola has praised it as one of his best decisions. The Norwegian striker has excelled on the pitch, scoring 18 goals and showing improved defensive effort. Off the pitch, he has embraced his leadership role, even volunteering for pre-match media duties before facing Dortmund.

Reflecting on last season’s disappointments, Haaland expressed the need for improvement, highlighting the team’s struggles in key matches, including the FA Cup final and defeats to Liverpool.

Amidst these changes, Guardiola remains a constant presence. His contract extension until 2027 has quelled any speculation regarding his future, and as he enters his tenth season with City, questions arise about his continued vigor. Gvardiol assured that Guardiola’s enthusiasm and drive remain intact, fostering a motivating environment for players.

As City prepares to face Liverpool, the atmosphere has shifted significantly since their last encounter in February, which ended a grim month for the club. Guardiola’s excitement now contrasts sharply with earlier trepidations, as City approaches this match with confidence after losing only once in their last 13 games. He expressed his anticipation and readiness for Sunday’s clash, signaling a determined effort to put last season’s challenges behind them.