Pep Guardiola has made an excellent start to life as Man City manager having taken over from Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss won his first six Premier League games in charge at the Etihad, including a 2-1 win over neighbours Man United at Old Trafford, and also got off to a great start in the Champions League by beating Borussia Monchengladbach 4-0.
However, the week before the international break ended City’s 100% record in both competitions.
They drew 3-3 with an inspired Celtic in Glasgow in their second Champions League group stage match, and then lost 2-0 at Tottenham in the league.
Although they remain top of the Premier League, and second only to Barcelona in the Champions League, Guardiola may have been reminded of the tough job he’s got at City if he wants them to be fighting for trophies both domestically and in Europe.
Here are THREE things he must improve at City in January…
Centre-back options
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
City haven’t been bad at the back in the early stages of the season, but Vincent Kompany’s persistent injuries must concern Guardiola with regard to his strength in depth in the centre-back department.
He’s currently playing Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones at centre-half, both of which have started the season well, but an injury or suspension to either of them and City could be in trouble.
They’ve been linked with a move for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in January, so Guardiola clearly recognises that this is an area he needs to improve.
Defensive midfield area
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
This doesn’t necessarily have to mean bringing in new personnel, but City’s defensive midfield area against Tottenham was ruthlessly exposed.
Spurs’ high pressing game forced Fernando and Fernandinho into making wrong decisions in the middle of the park and, more importantly, restricted their passing game.
Guardiola must have been aware that Mauricio Pochettino would implement that plan, but his players didn’t really get to grips with it.
It’ll be something he needs to address as more teams will attempt to play the same way given Spurs’ success.
Full-back options
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Similar to the central defenders, City’s full-backs have started the season well, especially given that they are being to play a slightly different role marshalling the back four.
However, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, and Aleksandar Kolarov are all into their 30’s, and Guardiola may feel that younger, more long-term full-backs are needed to help City achieve their aims.
He’s been linked with a move for Arsenal’s 21-year-old full-back Hector Bellerin in January, and that would be exactly the sort of signing which would improve City’s defensive options.