Manchester City Seek Renewal of Team Spirit Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Two days before their match against Bournemouth last Sunday, Manchester City held a Halloween party for players and their families, complete with themed posters of the squad and a cinema-style entrance titled, “I Know What You Did Last Season.” The lighthearted event reflected the club’s willingness to acknowledge the challenges of the current campaign with humor.

A Difficult Start to the Season

The 2024–25 season has been City’s most testing in years, following four consecutive Premier League titles. Injuries and a decline in form have forced the club into a period of recalibration. While City have claimed notable wins over Manchester United and Napoli, losses to Tottenham, Brighton, and Aston Villa have tempered expectations.

City currently sit second in the league table, with the upcoming fixture against Liverpool seen as a defining moment — whether they remain genuine title contenders or continue a gradual rebuild.

Guardiola Adjusts Approach

Seeking to protect his squad and avoid last season’s injury crisis, Pep Guardiola canceled training the day before their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. The additional rest paid off: City earned a 4–1 victory, climbing to fourth in their Champions League group.

Leadership Transition and Departures

The club has lost over 1,500 matches of combined experience following the exits of Éderson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündoğan, and Kevin De Bruyne. Defender Josko Gvardiol noted the leadership gap, though emphasized the squad’s professionalism.

For the first time in his career, Guardiola personally selected the team captains rather than allowing the squad to vote. Bernardo Silva has emerged as the leading figure, supported by Rúben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland.

Haaland’s Growing Leadership Role

Haaland’s elevation to a leadership role surprised some, but Guardiola has praised his maturity and commitment. The striker has scored 18 goals this season while also improving his defensive involvement. He has taken a more active role off the pitch as well, including volunteering for pre-match media duties.

Guardiola’s Commitment Remains Firm

Despite speculation about his future, Guardiola has signed a contract extension through summer 2027, entering his 10th season in charge. Gvardiol says the manager’s intensity and enthusiasm remain unchanged.

As City prepare to face Liverpool, the atmosphere is markedly different from last February’s corresponding fixture. Then, Guardiola faced media scrutiny amid poor results — now, with just one loss in their last 13 matches, he approaches the fixture with renewed confidence.

This match represents an opportunity for City to show that last season’s turbulence is behind them — and that their identity remains intact.