Thierry Henry Questions Pep Guardiola’s Decisions as Man City Struggles After Manchester Derby Loss
Thierry Henry has defended Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City’s recent struggles but admits this is the first time the legendary manager’s decisions deserve scrutiny. Speaking on Monday Night Football, Henry questioned Guardiola’s choice to let key players like Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez, and Cole Palmer leave without suitable replacements. He raised concerns about City’s current scoring woes, particularly when Erling Haaland is not at his peak.
Manchester City have endured a difficult period, suffering eight losses in their last 12 games, including a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in Sunday’s derby. This leaves City nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, despite playing an extra game. Alongside defensive issues in Rodri’s absence, Guardiola’s squad has posted its lowest goals-per-game tally since he took charge.
Henry argued that Guardiola’s successful reign at City is being tested. “For the first time, we can question his decisions,” said Henry. “Where are the goals from Mahrez, Alvarez, or Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan? Erling Haaland is still scoring, but not enough to carry the team alone.”
Despite the criticism, Henry does not expect Guardiola to quit. “Pep is not that type of coach,” Henry said, praising Guardiola’s intense and relentless coaching style. Henry noted that Guardiola pushes his players hardest when they are winning but supports them in tough times, which is key to City’s consistency over the years.
Jamie Carragher on Pep Guardiola’s Rebuild
Jamie Carragher added that this is the first time a rebuild under Guardiola feels significant. City’s ability to seamlessly replace legends like Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Vincent Kompany in previous seasons had masked earlier transitions.
“This time, it feels like a proper rebuild,” Carragher stated. “Even the best managers, like Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United or Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, have faced moments like this. Pep’s brilliance has delayed this feeling of rebuilding, but now it’s unavoidable.”
With City facing mounting pressure, the coming months will reveal whether Guardiola can steer the club back to dominance or whether a true rebuilding phase is inevitable.
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