Manchester City have incredibly been told to sack Pep Guardiola if they’re knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.
The controversial demand comes as City find themselves 15 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool and only just qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Despite Guardiola’s impressive record of four consecutive league titles and last year’s historic treble, talkSPORT host Adrian Durham believes City must act decisively if they want to maintain their status among Europe’s elite clubs.
City face a crucial test against reigning European champions Real Madrid, having narrowly secured their Champions League play-off spot with a victory over Club Brugge.
Manchester City have been out of form this season under Pep Guardiola
Reuters
The Spanish giants, featuring stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, currently top LaLiga.
However, Madrid are grappling with a defensive crisis, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez all set to miss the first leg.
This could force Madrid to field midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni or youngster Raul Asencio in central defence, while David Alaba is still working towards full fitness after a lengthy absence.
Durham’s criticism of Guardiola’s tenure has been particularly pointed, highlighting City’s defensive frailties and European record.
“I was thinking about this when they got battered by Arsenal – this isn’t Pep’s first rodeo, they get battered a lot,” Durham said on talkSPORT.
The pundit emphasised Guardiola’s European record, noting: “The only manager to do that in this era is Pep Guardiola, but it’s just one Champions League in nine years.
“If they get beaten by Real Madrid I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be sacked.”
Real Madrid are the defending European champions
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He pointed to City’s current league form, stating: “They’re 15 points off top spot in the Premier League and have lost seven of 24 Premier League games which isn’t acceptable.”
Durham drew comparisons with how other elite European clubs would handle similar underperformance.
“If this happened at Real Madrid the hankies would be out and the manager would be gone,” he said.
“That’s what happens at big clubs who are trying to dominate in Europe.
“If it happened at Bayern, the manager would be gone. PSG, the manager would be gone. Barcelona, the manager would be gone. Any club in Italy, the manager would be gone.
“By sticking with Guardiola are Man City’s owners aiming to stick at the top of European football or don’t they really care?”
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Manchester City have been out of form in the league
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The crucial first leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid takes place on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium.
The return fixture will be played at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, February 19, where City’s Champions League fate will be decided.
The matches represent a critical juncture for City, who must navigate past Madrid’s star-studded line-up despite their own struggles this season.