Manchester City, accustomed to dominating on the pitch, find themselves in an unusual and troubling position. The Premier League champions are currently on a six-game winless streak, with five consecutive losses. This slump began with a significant blow: the loss of their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury during a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. His absence has left a noticeable void in City’s midfield and defense.
The team’s last victory came in October when they edged out Southampton 1-0. However, a string of defeats followed, beginning with Tottenham Hotspur, who managed to beat City twice within a month. The first was a 2-1 victory in the EFL Cup, and the second, a decisive 4-0 thrashing on City’s home turf. Adding to their woes, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Sporting Lisbon have all secured wins over City recently.
City’s struggles extended into the Champions League, where they let a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord slip away in just 15 minutes, ending the match in a disappointing 3-3 draw. The result left the team demoralized, and the frustration was visible on manager Pep Guardiola, who appeared post-match with visible stress marks, including scratches on his head and a cut on his nose.
City now face a critical turning point, with a challenging match against Liverpool on Sunday. A loss could widen the gap between the two teams to 11 points, putting City’s title defense at further risk. Guardiola has hinted at bolstering the squad during the January transfer window, as the absence of Rodri has highlighted glaring weaknesses in the team’s structure. Without Rodri, City’s win percentage has dropped significantly from 73.6% to 58.3%.
Rodri’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. Since the start of last season, he featured in 53 games, helping City secure 39 wins, 13 draws, and suffering only one loss—the FA Cup final against Manchester United. His ability to shield the backline has been critical, and without him, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed.
City are exploring potential reinforcements to address this issue:
1. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich): Valued at approximately £42 million, Kimmich is renowned for his versatility, often described as a “Swiss Army knife” of a player. The 29-year-old German international excelled under Guardiola’s management during their time at Bayern. Kimmich’s ability to control the midfield, execute precise passes, and defend effectively would bring much-needed stability to City’s lineup. While acquiring him in January may be challenging, his experience and defensive capabilities make him an ideal candidate.
2. Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad): Estimated to cost £50 million, Zubimendi is another strong contender. The 25-year-old Spaniard, often compared to Sergio Busquets, is admired for his composure, passing accuracy, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game. He also offers strong defensive attributes, making him a natural fit to replace Rodri. Zubimendi’s performances for Real Sociedad and his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph have garnered interest from top clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal. City may face stiff competition for his signature, but his skill set aligns perfectly with their needs.
City’s current struggles highlight deeper defensive issues beyond the midfield. Despite their offensive firepower, with Erling Haaland leading the attack and supported by talents like Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish, their inability to control games from the midfield has been a significant weakness. The January transfer window offers a critical opportunity for Guardiola to rectify these problems and salvage the season.
Finding a replacement for Rodri, a cornerstone of their recent success, will not be easy. However, strengthening the squad with a player of Kimmich’s or Zubimendi’s caliber could provide the defensive stability City needs to turn their season around.