Pep Guardiola’s season-building habit was on display again: a bright start, a period of experimentation to fix weaknesses, then a settled system that carried Manchester City through the run-in. Across roles, shapes and personnel his constant adjustments eventually produced a clear identity and a favoured XI.
Early approach: high press and inward full-backs City began with an attacking, high-press philosophy. Full-backs pushed into the inside channels, supporting central creators while wide forwards pressed aggressively around Erling Haaland. That setup generated fast transitions and plenty of threat, but it also left wide areas exposed, with opposition full-backs too often free on the flanks. Early signings and tactical nudges emphasised rapid turnovers and vertical passes to Haaland as a focal point.
Exposed weaknesses and initial fixes Defensive frailties appeared quickly. Games against teams who attacked the wide channels and targeted long balls highlighted how putting full-backs into midfield and asking wingers to press centre-backs could leave City outnumbered on the flanks. Guardiola responded by testing different front line pairings and pressing triggers, sometimes instruc
