Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed deep frustration after his team threw away a commanding 3-0 lead, drawing 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday. The dramatic collapse in the final 15 minutes marked a historic setback for City and left Guardiola lamenting defensive issues that continue to haunt his squad.
A Disappointing End to a Dominant Performance
City seemed in complete control after Erling Haaland’s brace and Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected goal put them in a commanding position. However, Feyenoord mounted a stunning comeback, with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez, and David Hancko exposing City’s defensive frailties.
Guardiola acknowledged the psychological blow:
“We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable,” he said. “We lost a lot of games lately. We are fragile and need a victory.”
Historic Collapse
The draw was a rare and sobering event for City. It marked the first time since 1989 that the club failed to win a match after leading by three goals and the first instance in Champions League history where a team squandered such a lead in the final 15 minutes. The result, while snapping a five-game losing streak, did little to boost morale ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Defensive Woes and Mental Fragility
Guardiola’s comments highlighted his concern over City’s defensive lapses, which have plagued the team in recent weeks. Nathan Ake, who was subbed off when City led 3-0, echoed these sentiments:
“We have to remain mentally strong. When you are 3-0 up, it feels like a defeat. It’s a tough night, but we have to show character and stay together.”
City’s vulnerability in defense has become a recurring issue, undermining their typically dominant performances. Guardiola emphasized the need for mental clarity, urging his players to regroup and focus on the next challenge:
“Rest one or two days, clear the head mentally, and think of the next game,” he said.
Champions League Struggles
City’s draw leaves them with just two wins from five Champions League matches, placing them 15th in the 36-team standings with eight points. Upcoming away games against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain will be crucial as City look to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Feyenoord, now just one point behind City in 20th place, also remain in contention, adding further pressure on Guardiola’s side to deliver strong performances in the remaining fixtures.
Premier League Challenges Ahead
The timing of City’s collapse couldn’t be worse, as they prepare to face Premier League leaders Liverpool. With Liverpool already holding an eight-point advantage, Guardiola previously admitted that an 11-point gap would be nearly insurmountable:
“We need a win for confidence,” he stated.
City’s upcoming fixtures will test their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. Guardiola’s focus will likely shift to fortifying the defense and instilling a stronger mental approach as his team navigates this challenging period.
Looking Forward
Despite the setback, Guardiola and his players remain determined to regroup and refocus. Nathan Ake’s call for unity and mental toughness underscores the team’s resolve to overcome their current struggles. As City head into a pivotal phase of the season, their ability to rise to the occasion will be critical in maintaining their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
