With this season Mancini has instigated a radical transformation in Manchester City’s playing identity. It represents a massive shift away from the possession-focused ideology that Pep Guardiola has adopted since taking over at the club in 2016. That change was most apparent in their recent 0-2 home loss against Arsenal. The side barely scraped 33.2 percent possession, the least any of Guardiola’s teams has ever had in the top flight. Manchester City right now is on pace to have the lowest average possession statistics in the history of the Premier League. This represents a huge change in how they’re playing the game.
Guardiola has shocked people by adopting this new approach. He has traded their defensive vulnerability and aesthetic pleasure for solidity and directness. The immaculate ball control that used to be a hallmark of his teams is now discarded. Indeed, the average length of a possession has fallen to just 52 seconds. This notable shift from prior years, where the team always went over the 70 percent threshold, is the culmination of a major change in philosophy.
A Shift in Strategy
Manchester City’s tactical adjustments signal a broader trend within the Premier League as teams adapt to counter Guardiola’s once-dominant possession game. The team became more intent on finding direct attacking options. They often use the counter-attack and long passes to maximize the speed and finishing of forwards such as Erling Haaland.
The change was exemplified by Haaland’s blistering opener during the match at the Emirates Stadium, showcasing how the team’s new approach allows for quicker transitions from defense to attack. Guardiola’s strategies have moved away from prolonged build-up play, resulting in a noticeable decrease in passing sequences and high turnovers compared to last season.
“For the last six, seven, eight years, we’ve just seen them dominate possession,” – Gary Neville
This adaptation not only reflects Guardiola’s evolving philosophy but suggests that he is responding to the challenges posed by rival managers who have studied his methods closely.
Emphasis on Direct Play
During the ongoing season, Manchester City have adopted a more direct progressive passing approach. This shifts the focus quickly to the merit of out-and-out No 9s like Haaland, enabling a more dynamic attacking structure. The team’s overall change in approach, though different, has not escaped notice. City have lost the possession battle in all but three games so far this season, most recently during their 1-1 home draw with Arsenal.
As much as anything, Guardiola’s willingness to change his tactical approach mid-season speaks to his quality as an adaptable, observant manager. The new emphasis on physicality and directness meshes perfectly with the skill set of City’s new signings. Haaland, for example, really shines the most in counter-attacking scenarios. This evolution in style speaks to Guardiola’s chameleon-like transformation, a radical departure from his own methods of yore.
“Guardiola never really changed his way of playing before. It was almost as if to say everyone has to adapt to what I’m doing… but he’s moved on beyond that now,” – Gary Neville
Implications for English Football
The effects of Guardiola’s revolution on Manchester City’s style could be felt more widely, across the entire English game itself. When Guardiola changes things up, historical trends indicate that other managers aren’t far behind. The biggest shakeup of the season throws a stick in the known works of possession-based football, as moves to better defend against Guardiola’s gunshots.
Manchester City provided the perfect advertisement for their new-found belief in rapid transitions from defence to attack during their dominant display against Arsenal. This is a huge departure from the ponderous build-up play that characterized their past World Cup runs. Through opposing tactics, Pep Guardiola demonstrates his willingness to create something new. These strategies are a great example to other managers looking to change their own philosophies.
“This is a completely different Manchester City; it’s a complete turnaround… There are a lot of questions asked of managers. Do they adapt? Are they agile enough to change things in games?” – Gary Neville
Leave a Reply