The Sky Blues’ run of failing to reach the Champions League semi-finals under Guardiola’s management continued with the shock defeat to Ligue 1 opposition on Saturday
Manchester City players are reportedly losing faith in manager Pep Guardiola following the shock Champions League exit to Lyon.
The Sky Blues were heavy favourites to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in Guardiola’s reign, but were beaten 3-1 by the Ligue 1 side on Saturday night.
Guardiola made drastic changes to personnel and tactics for the match despite City dominating Real Madrid to a 4-2 aggregate victory in the previous round.
The failure to progress means City’s only silverware for the season is the League Cup, as they finished 18 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool and were beaten by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The disappointing season has left some City stars disgruntled with the manager and their trust in Guardiola’s tactics for big games is “dwindling”, according to The Athletic .
The report adds the squad did not know how to react after the defeat to Lyon and there was a “funeral atmosphere” in the dressing room.
Players were also astonished at the team selection and the tactics for the match, which saw City change from their usual 4-3-3 formation to a more defensively-minded shape.
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The fact so much respect was given to a side who finished seventh in Ligue 1 this season – outside the European places – is said to have left the squad “speechless” and “devastated”.
After a third consecutive exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, one insider went so far as to say the “wheels could come off dramatically”.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s future at the Etihad is uncertain as he has now entered the final 10 months of his contract. Continue reading