Pep Guardiola's historic reign at Manchester City has taken a nosedive this season.
Despite leading his side to six Premier League titles – four of which came in dominant successes – the 53-year-old's 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of catastrophic. Guardiola's side currently sit in sixth place – a far cry from the heights of rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.
They have been unusually unpredictable in all competitions, even going seven games without a win at the end of 2024. And that trend continued as they let a two-goal lead slip away at Brentford last night.
Such unrest on the pitch has also spilled over as the manager has reportedly split from his wife, Cristina Serra. Previous concerns about the manager's welfare were also raised; there have been clashes with fans, heads scratched and players subjected to unusual rants.
Ortega showdown
In the latest of his disturbing displays, Guardiola was seen acting rather erratically as he grabbed and raised his voice at goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after Tuesday's draw against Brentford. Two goals from Phil Foden appeared to have secured all three points for the visitors, restoring order to their chaotic campaign.
However, Yoane Wissa halved the deficit with eight minutes remaining, before Christian Norgaard's 92nd minute header was flicked by Ortega to level the match.
After the final whistle, Guardiola approached his shot-stopper and, in a contrast of emotions, was filmed screaming and shouting while also hugging the German. After the match, however, the Spaniard insisted it was praise for his dismissal of Ortega.
“[Josko Gvardiol] played incredibly! I was satisfied! Same with [Ortega]”, he stated. “I said how well he played, the actions with the ball, the pass to Erling [Haaland]how happy and satisfied I am, especially with these two players and what they have done.”
Scratching your head
Before this latest outburst, Guardiola made headlines for what appeared to be self-inflicted scratches on his nose and head after a frustrating Champions League draw against Feyenoord.
These scratches, pictured before a press conference, were highlighted by reporters after the collision, prompting the city boss to release a worrying admission.
“I cut it with my finger, my nail,” Guardiola explained before laughing the matter off and saying: “I want to hurt myself.” This revelation was later elaborated upon by the head coach, who took to social media to apologize for making light of the situation.
“I was caught off guard last night with a question at the end of a press conference about a scratch that had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused it,” said a statement posted on Guardiola's behalf on his official account. on X and Instagram. “My response was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.”
Liverpool's defeat leads to clash
Things would not get better for Guardiola as a week later he would be involved in another altercation, this time with a supposed fan of league leaders and title contenders Liverpool.
City were thumped 2-0 at Anfield in December, and apparently disappointed after the defeat, the ex-Barcelona boss ignored a person who was recording him, walked straight past him and asked for a response.
“F***ing hell mate, just cause you lost,” uttered the person filming – which apparently rubbed the 53-year-old the wrong way. Guardiola turned and prepared to storm back and perhaps confront the supporter before he was stopped by the men accompanying him.
While it is unclear what the head coach said in response, Guardiola cut a frustrated and angry figure as he turned and looked at the person recording the video, adding to the backlash he has faced all season.
Autograph hunters struck
Ahead of the Brentford draw and Ortega's scolding, Guardiola also dug up a group of autograph hunters who had gathered with memorabilia for him to sign, reportedly in a car park near his home. “Don't come again, I won't tell you again. I know your faces,” Guardiola said in the clip, which was posted on X.
“Go to school to prepare yourselves, boys. You're children. You're young… (points to a man) Well, you're not young! You're young, boys, so don't waste your time here. Will you live such a life? [live] honestly?”
When one of the interlocutors mentioned that he was a chef, Guardiola clapped back: “So let's keep doing this, eh? Well, prepare better, prepare better! Damn it, man! This is for all the people. What are your dreams? Tell me what it is, what are you dreaming, my friend?
While not as worrying as some of the manager's previous mishaps, this unconventional outburst acts as an alarming rung on Guardiola's ladder in the 2024/25 season as City's season continues to be shrouded in disunity and sub-par results.
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