In the world of football, few names evoke dominance like Pep Guardiola. The legendary manager has redefined success at clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. However, the Pep Guardiola downfall narrative is gaining traction as Manchester City endures its worst start under his leadership in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Understanding Pep Guardiola's Worst Start in Managerial History
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off with high expectations for Manchester City, but reality has been harsh. Their campaign began on a high note with a convincing 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16, highlighting the attacking prowess that has defined Guardiola's teams. Yet, the joy was short-lived.
A shocking 0-2 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur on August 23 revealed defensive cracks, followed by a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31, where a late goal sealed their fate despite controlling possession.
The 2024/25 Season: First Signs of Pep Guardiola's Downfall
The Pep Guardiola downfall didn't start in 2025/26; it brewed during the turbulent 2024/25 campaign, often called his worst season as a manager. Despite aiming for a fifth straight Premier League crown, City finished third—Guardiola's lowest league finish in years.
The year was marred by inconsistency, including a dismal run of one win in 13 matches across competitions and four straight losses—a career first for Guardiola. Europe offered no solace, with an early Champions League knockout and subpar showings.
Timeline of the Crisis
Key Factors Driving Pep Guardiola's Downfall
What's fueling the Pep Guardiola downfall? Several elements are at play in the 2025/26 Premier League season:
Critical Issues
- Injuries and player fatigue affecting stars like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland
- Tactical predictability with rivals decoding Guardiola's possession-based approach
- Aging squad struggles with veterans De Bruyne (34) and Kyle Walker (35) showing decline
- New signings failing to integrate into the tactical system effectively
- Off-field distractions from financial fair play investigations
💡 What This Means
Guardiola's commitment to his possession-based philosophy faces its greatest test. Teams like Tottenham and Brighton are exploiting high presses, causing turnovers and quick counters that have become Manchester City's Achilles heel. The expanded FIFA Club World Cup has worsened player fatigue, creating a perfect storm of challenges.
Can Pep Guardiola Recover from This Worst Start?
Guardiola has bounced back before—his 2016/17 trophyless debut at City led to unprecedented success. With Rodri's return and emerging talents, redemption is possible in the 2025/26 season. At 54, after managing over 1,000 games, burnout is a risk. Social media is rife with opinions, from calls of City being "washed" to comparisons with other managers.
As Guardiola reflected, "Nothing lasts forever." The Pep Guardiola downfall could be temporary, but the worst start in 2025/26 demands swift action. Stay tuned for updates on Manchester City's journey—will they defy history and claim the title?