Manchester City, the four-time consecutive champions of England, are currently stumbling through their rockiest patch since Pep Guardiola took charge in 2016. With just one win in their last 10 matches, their latest 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League saw several players, including long-time right-back Kyle Walker, receiving online abuse. 

The 34-year-old took to Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) to share a screenshot of a vile racially abusive message he received from an account. Walker captained City against Juventus and played the full 90 minutes in Turin. Goals from Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie knocked Manchester City down to 22nd in the new Champions League table format. 

In response to the message, Kyle Walker wrote: “No one should ever be subjected to the sort of vile, racist, and threatening abuse I have received online since last night’s match, Instagram and the authorities need to stop this happening, for the sake of all who are suffering this abuse. It is never acceptable.”

Manchester City condemned the online abuse and released a club statement supporting Kyle Walker: “We refuse to tolerate discrimination of any kind, regardless of whether that be in stadiums or online. We will be offering Kyle our full support following the disgusting treatment he has received.”

The Premier League also released a statement condemning the abuse, and fans quickly rallied behind the right-back. For Pep Guardiola and Co., their troubles are far from over, and this season could turn out to be City’s worst yet. But is it too early to write them off?

Is this the decline of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola? 

Fourth in the Premier League, with 115 charges awaiting judgment, a string of injuries to key players, and the looming possibility of being knocked out of Europe altogether, there seems to be no end to Pep Guardiola’s troubles right now. Nobody expected such a downfall of the club which just won the continental treble, 2 seasons ago. 

As per The Athletic FC, Manchester City have been conceding more goals this season than chances created. The problem isn’t just their lack of defensive quality; it’s the absence of the Ballon d’Or winner in front of the backline. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s Rodri. He suffered an ACL tear during their 2-2 draw with Arsenal, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. 

Along with Rodri, injuries to other players like Nathan Aké, John Stones, and Mateo Kovačić, City no longer boast of having a solid squad depth. Additionally, City’s defense from their forward players has been inadequate, with more and more teams easily breaking through their press.

Pep Guardiola’s side has to win their last 2 matches in the Champions League if they want to guarantee their chances of making it to the knockout rounds. With the transfer window set to open in January, the City Football Group might be the first ones in line to get some temporary replacements.