Concerns may be rising that Pep Guardiola could quit Manchester City for the same reason he left Barcelona after a disheartening 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday. The defeat marks City's ninth defeat in 12 games, casting a shadow over Guardiola's future despite having signed a new contract until 2027 just last month.
This slump contrasts sharply with the dizzying success of City's recent treble triumph 18 months ago. But one could draw similarities with how his tenure ended at Barcelona, where he led the team to unprecedented success before stepping down in 2012.
Despite being lauded as one of the greatest teams ever under his leadership, Barcelona's relentless successes eventually took their toll. And City may be going through the same process after reaching new heights, perhaps finding motivation has become a growing concern.
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"I felt as if I could no longer lift the team," the Catalan great told Audi in 2014 (via The Mirror). "We were incredibly successful. Winning 14 trophies in only four years was the greatest period in the club's history.
"But gradually I found it more and more difficult to motivate myself and to motivate the team. That is when you know it is time to walk away."
Like that Barca line-up of 2012, City have experienced a decline from their highs and have concerns over an ageing squad. Guardiola's men are seventh in the Premier League, 22nd in the new Champions League table and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
The 53-year-old coach has won six Premier League crowns from a possible eight at City, not to mention one Champions League title, two FA Cups and four League Cups. However, their recent downturn demonstrates even they can be affected by the cyclical nature of sport.
There are concerns over players like Kyle Walker (34), Ederson (31), Ilkay Gundogan (34) and injury-prone Kevin De Bruyne (33) being past their primes. And with a rash of senior contracts set to expire in 2026 and 2027, it seems City may well be in need of a refresh.
There is also the small matter for City of their hearing into 130 charges of alleged financial misconduct. The serious allegations have loomed over the club for some time now, with the verdict expected to be delivered some time in early 2025.
Between this uncertainty and the recent disappointment caused by on-field results, motivation appears to be at a low at the Etihad. And it wouldn't be the first time this issue has prompted Guardiola to sever ties with a club out of concern he can no longer have his desired impact.
