Champions League: ‘Never seen a Guardiola team this bad’ – Man City under ‘real pressure’

Key to Manchester City’s success under Guardiola has been their consistency.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has rarely made wholesale changes to his side between seasons, instead identifying the main areas needed for improvement and strengthening appropriately.

But while that has been their biggest strength during their run to multiple titles, it could be seen as the reason behind their recent struggles, with Ferdinand suggesting “tiredness” in players who have had a role in City’s success could be playing a part.

In the summer they signed winger Savinho from Troyes and brought back midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona.

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, speaking before Wednesday’s loss to Juventus, said a significant rebuild of the side is needed.

“It is worth considering just how momentous a period this will turn out to be in years to come,” Nevin said.

“Pep Guardiola’s dominance is done – well, it is for the time being. Manchester City will not melt away to obscurity any time soon, but the run of clearly being the best of the best in Britain is over.

“There is a rebuild of monumental proportions needed – and they know it.

“How quickly can this be done? Inside two years is the answer as Chelsea have shown with their recent merciless clear-out and restructuring plan.”