Pep Guardiola paints picture of “changed” Manchester City line-up against Aston Villa

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided an update on the club's starting XI for their upcoming EPL encounter against Aston Villa.

Pep Guardiola paints picture of “changed” Manchester City line-up against Aston Villa

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided an update on his players, ahead of a crucial EPL encounter against Aston Villa. The 53-year-old also provided information on Ruben Dias’s recent injury, which he exclaimed might keep him out for up to a month. 

The defending Premier League champions have been struggling for the past few months, winning just once in their last 11 matches. They most recently suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to city-rivals Manchester United, and now remain off the top four places in the EPL table. Man City’s recent slump has put a lot of pressure on manager Pep Guardiola, who is still confident of a breakthrough in form for the club. Ahead of their next match against Aston Villa, the Spaniard however, faces a massive selection dilemma.

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Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Guardiola assessed his options prior to City’s upcoming EPL encounter. He informed the media about Ruben Dias’ recent muscular injury, that might keep him out for at least three to four weeks. Depicting an image of the club’s lineup versus Aston Villa, Guardiola exclaimed that defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones might return to the side, after having missed their previous match against Man Utd. However, he added that goalkeeper Ederson remains doubtful.

He’s [Ruben Dias] out for a long time. Three or four weeks. Muscular issue… Ederson I don’t know if he will be ready. Manuel [Akanji] and John [Stones] are back training with us. That is good for us.

Pep Guardiola on the club’s injury crisis (H/T ESPN)

It puts a considerable amount of pressure in terms of selecting defenders in the Manchester City XI, against Aston Villa. Apart from Dias, Stones and Akanji, the club also has Nathan Ake out injured. Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is trying to make an early recovery from a season-long injury. 

Ex-Manchester City midfielder makes shocking claim about Pep Guardiola’s mental health

Former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann expressed his belief that Pep Guardiola has been left scarred by his failure to find a solution to City’s recent setbacks. The Spaniard manager has been facing his worst ever run as Man City manager.

Didi Hamann on Pep Guardiola
Ex-Man City midfielder Didi Hamann suggested that Pep Guardiola is clueless. (via Sky Sports)

Suspecting that Guardiola is having mental problems, Didi Hamann stated that this is the first time that he has seen the 53-year-old clueless. He suggested that Rodri’s season-long injury might have distracted the City boss, having previously remained dominant in all matches. Moreover, senior players like Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne‘s poor form, he stated, have added to the problem. 

I think Pep is frustrated because he can’t come up with a solution. It is clear that he has not yet found a way for his team to play without Rodri.

Didi Hamann on Pep Guardiola (H/T Irish Mirror)

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Pep Guardiola and his Man City side. They currently remain in the fifth position on the EPL table with 27 points from 16 matches, nine behind leaders Liverpool. They remain way behind in the title race.