CurrentReport Blog Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the club to strengthen its squad during the January transfer window by signing a holding midfielder and a central defender.
Guardiola made the plea following City’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday, which ended a five-match winless run in the Premier League. Despite the win, injuries and form issues have plagued the reigning champions, leaving them four points off the top four.
Injury Woes Impacting City’s Form
Manchester City has struggled this season due to a spate of injuries to key players:
- Rodri: The influential holding midfielder is unlikely to play again this season.
- John Stones: The centre-back has featured in only two of City’s last 13 matches.
- Ruben Dias: Another central defender, Dias, has missed the last three games.
These setbacks have exposed vulnerabilities in Guardiola’s squad, prompting the manager to emphasize the need for reinforcements.
“In some positions, we need help. The squad is good, but the problem is we don’t have the squad. Important players have been out for weeks and months, and it’s so difficult,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
City’s Transfer Strategy for January
Guardiola highlighted the club’s need to rejuvenate their midfield and backline to maintain their competitive edge.
“We need more in the middle and the back four; we have struggled with full-backs and central defenders,” he said. “The market is the market; it’s not easy, it’s expensive, so we will see what the club can do.”
City’s Performance Snapshot
The win over Leicester marked only their second victory in the last ten Premier League games. As City aims to close the gap on the top four, Guardiola’s focus remains on stabilizing the squad and regaining their dominant form.
