Why has Manchester City not tasted success in the Champions League despite winning four out of the previous five Premier League titles?

Why has Manchester City not tasted success in the Champions League despite winning four out of the previous five Premier League titles?

Manchester City

Manchester City has been such a commendable force in the English premier league, but they have repeatedly failed to get success at the European level. Guardiola has failed to lift the UEFA champions trophy since his Barcelona days. Pep has assembled a great squad in terms of depth and quality. In spite of investing hundreds of millions, they have choked in the Champions League.

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Here are some possible reasons why Manchester City has failed to make a mark in the Champions League

Pep Guardiola

Pep’s men have choked under pressure in big games. A big example of this happened against Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions League this season. Man City threw away A possible ticket to the final in spite of having a first-leg win advantage. The team has been criticized for its mentality and fighting spirit.

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Secondly, Manchester City has been lacking a proper striker in the squad for a long time since Aguero. Though Man City has scored a lot of goals you still miss a proper number nine certain in some scenarios. Maybe the signing of Erling Halland will fill in the void of the city‘s number nine absence.

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Manchester City has an amazing spot depth. Pep has been rotating the squad effectively but it has clearly not worked in some cases, especially in the Champions League. Again a scenario from the Real Madrid game this season, Guardiola subbed off Mahrez and De Bruyne in crucial moments of the game, which City ended up bottling.

Fans know what Guardiola is capable of as a coach and a tactician. However, he has been often criticized for overthinking and over strategizing games. Last year‘s UCL final against Chelsea was one clear example of it. Man City did not name a line-up with a defensive midfielder in spite of Fernandinho and Rodri at their disposal. Man City lost 1-0 vs Chelsea and was deprived of their maiden European championship win.

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