Man City grapple with charges, injuries, and transfer market uncertainty

By SABC Sport
21st December 2024

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City is navigating a storm of challenges as the club faces both on-pitch and off-pitch hurdles.

The Premier League giants are under scrutiny for 130 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.

An independent commission began hearings in September 2023, with a decision potentially arriving by February 2024 after a 10-12 week process.

Guardiola has admitted uncertainty about how the pending verdict might affect Manchester City's activity in the transfer market.

"I don't know," said Guardiola when asked if the charges could impact the club's business. "It's going to happen in winter time. I don't know what's going to happen. I know the people are expecting that but I don't know. In February, March, [maybe] will be the sentence."

The possibility of severe sanctions could influence players considering a move to the club, adding further strain to an already challenging season.

Compounding these issues are significant squad difficulties. Key midfielder Rodri is expected to miss the remainder of the season, while defensive injuries continue to test the depth of Guardiola's team.

Despite this, the manager has expressed confidence in his current squad and has prioritised the recovery of injured players over pursuing January transfers.

He also clarified that any decisions regarding new signings would come from the club's leadership rather than himself alone.

"What I want is my players back. I have the same feeling that the squad is really good, it's not about good or bad players but I want the players back," Guardiola said on Friday.

"What happens in winter [in the January transfer window] or the end of the season, the club will decide what is best for the team.

"I try to be honest about the feelings of my teams. We fell down six times [number of Premier League games without a win], we have to stand up seven. There is no alternative.

"I'm fine. I'm a normal person with feelings like all of us. When the situation is going well we are better but it's normal. I would not go to the press conference if we were 1-0 up and expressing something that I didn't feel."