Manchester City enter the international break unbeaten in all competitions after their 3-2 win over Fulham on Saturday. Despite not being at their best in recent games the fact that the world champions are undefeated in all competitions is a positive for Pep Guardiola and his team. But the international break does give the City manager the chance to reflect on how his team can improve for what lies ahead.
There appear to be two main areas of concern for Pep Guardiola. At times, the world champions have struggled to break down a low defensive block. Teams have resorted to sitting deep against Manchester City. That isn’t new, but at times this season, City have struggled to break down a packed defence. Although against Fulham, especially in the opening 10 minutes City did have success breaking down Marco Silva’s side. If not for two early chances that went wide from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland Saturday’s match may have played out differently. But it is still an area to work on for Pep Guardiola and his team.
The other is Manchester City’s susceptibility to the counter. If was exposed several times by Fulham at the Etihad. If not for Ederson’s brilliance and some poor finishing from Adama Traore Saturday’s game may have had a different result. But this issue isn’t a new one, and it may take some reflection over the international break from Pep Guardiola to find a solution to this issue.
Speaking after Saturday’s match Pep Guardiola said he will use the international break to reflect on how his team can improve. But there is plenty of time for that, given that the 24/25 season is in its early stages. Guardiola told the media: “Maybe structurally yes, maybe we create more and concede more but I have the international break to reflect. For example, the first action from Adama [Traore], one against one, Rico [Lewis], is in front of him and after, he anticipates him. Of course, when this happens, it’s a mistake, and you have to be better than that in these situations. We are a team more used to playing than focusing on these types of things [defensive record]. But they score goals and we have to try to be better. You have margin to improve”
The international break is a time to reflect for Pep Guardiola and his staff. There are obvious areas of improvement that will make Manchester City a stronger team. But they remain undefeated so while there are obvious areas of improvement it isn’t all doom and gloom for the champions.
