Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has played down expectations that new signing Marc Guehi will instantly resolve the club’s recent problems, while insisting he already knows how City can rediscover their stability.
City head into the weekend under pressure after a difficult run of results across competitions. Having started 2026 strongly, Guardiola’s side followed three consecutive Premier League draws with a damaging derby defeat to Manchester United, before slipping to a 3–1 Champions League loss away to Bodø/Glimt.
That European defeat leaves City outside the top eight in the Champions League league phase with one match remaining, potentially forcing them into an additional knockout round next month.
Guehi arrival offers boost, not a cure-all
Guehi completed a £20m move from Crystal Palace earlier this week and is expected to make his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers. His arrival comes at a timely moment, with City missing several defensive regulars including Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, John Stones and Matheus Nunes.
However, Guardiola was clear that Guehi alone is not the answer.
“Fragility is not just about one player,” Guardiola said. “Marc is going to help us because his experience is exceptional. He’s an England international, he captained a team that won the FA Cup and had an incredible season under Oliver Glasner.
“But the solution is not just one player. I know what the solution is, and the players know it.”
Guardiola sees signs despite poor results
Despite the recent setbacks, Guardiola insisted performances have not been as far from the required level as results suggest, pointing to moments in the defeat in Norway.
“In Bodø we missed chances in both boxes,” he explained. “We lost second balls and duels, but in general I had the feeling the team was there.
“For 15 to 20 minutes we were really good, then in two minutes we conceded two goals. These little moments decide everything, and we were not lucky.”
Guardiola also highlighted individual learning moments, referencing young defender Max Alleyne’s involvement, and stressed the importance of responding rather than dwelling on misfortune.
Experience and structure key to recovery
Guehi’s addition is expected to bring leadership and composure to a defence that has lacked continuity due to injuries. Guardiola praised the defender’s background and mentality, but reiterated that restoring City’s resilience will come from collective improvement rather than a single change.
City now turn their focus to Wolves, with the league providing an immediate opportunity to halt the slide and rebuild confidence ahead of a crucial stretch in both domestic and European competitions.
Why Guardiola’s message matters
Rather than deflecting blame or leaning on new signings, Guardiola’s comments underline accountability within the squad. By framing the problem as collective rather than individual, City’s manager is reinforcing standards that have underpinned their dominance in recent seasons.
Key Insights
- Marc Guehi is expected to debut against Wolves.
- Guardiola says one player will not fix City’s issues.
- Defensive injuries have disrupted City’s stability.
- Champions League qualification is under threat.
- Guardiola believes the solution is already understood internally.
What’s Next
Manchester City’s response against Wolves will offer the clearest indication yet of whether Guardiola’s confidence is justified. With key players still sidelined, discipline and decision-making may prove as important as personnel changes.
Can City stabilise quickly, or will defensive fragility continue to undermine their season?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *