A single victory in 13 matches, including Champions League losses to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus between October and December, marked the lowest point in City’s decline.
Since then, Guardiola’s squad has regained momentum in the Premier League, securing four wins in their last five matches to re-enter the top four.
However, last week’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where City squandered a 2-0 lead to suffer a crushing 4-2 loss, highlighted deeper underlying issues within the team.
The absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in September, has been a major setback. This has been worsened by ongoing fitness concerns in central defense, with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and John Stones all missing significant portions of the season.
Adding to the turmoil, former captain Kyle Walker stunned the club by requesting a transfer earlier this month before sealing a loan move to AC Milan.
As a result, City has had to abandon its original strategy and make substantial investments in the January transfer window.
Over £120 million ($150 million) has already been spent on Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, along with young defensive talents Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
However, the trio will not be available to assist against Belgian champions Brugge, who remain unbeaten in 21 consecutive matches across all competitions, as they are ineligible for this phase of the Champions League.
“If our squad were fully fit, we wouldn’t be making these moves, but right now, we have only two available central defenders, and our holding midfielders are also struggling,” Guardiola explained regarding the January spending spree.
“After eight years together, many of our players are now over 30, and combined with persistent injury issues, this transition is a natural part of the process.”
Guardiola Aims for ‘Greater Success’
Currently positioned 25th in the 36-team table, City must finish within the top 24 to avoid elimination.
A victory would secure their progression, as Brugge, despite holding a three-point advantage, has an inferior goal difference.
Despite their struggles, top European clubs are keeping a close eye on City, wary that if they scrape through, they could regain their form in the knockout rounds.
Bookmakers still rank them as the sixth favorite to win the competition, trailing Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
Ake and Dias might return for the playoff stage next month, and Marmoush—who has netted 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season—will also be available for the next round.
Guardiola remains confident that City will eventually reclaim their former dominance.
“Every season brings its own challenges. It’s about how you respond,” he stated.
“When Rodri is back, when our defenders return, when the squad is complete, we won’t be 25th in the Champions League.”
“Overcoming adversity makes future success even greater.”
However, having won only two of their first seven Champions League matches, City has no room for mistakes if they wish to avoid a humiliating early exit.
