City’s Unsteady Start
The Belgian winger, who joined City from Rennes in 2023, has become an important figure in Guardiola’s attacking setup. However, his latest remarks arrive during a turbulent spell for the Premier League champions. City began their campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Wolves but have since fallen to back-to-back defeats, including a 2-1 loss at Brighton.
Compounding their issues, Oscar Bobb picked up an injury, while Rayan Aït-Nouri continues to battle for fitness. Midfield general Rodri has also spoken openly about off-the-pitch issues contributing to the slump.
Doku on His Own Form
Doku admitted he has not yet hit top form, stressing the challenges of modern football scheduling. “I’m not the best version of myself yet,” he said in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, translated via Sport Witness. “For us players, good pre-season simply doesn’t exist anymore. We get three weeks off and have to be ready again. It takes time to get back on track as a team.”
Guardiola’s Relentless Intensity
Despite the rocky opening weeks, Doku made clear that Pep Guardiola is showing no signs of complacency. “Our coach, Pep Guardiola, is still as passionate as ever and is working even harder to turn things around quickly,” Doku explained. “Pep isn’t just sitting there for no reason. It’s good that I can get some oxygen here with the national team.”
Guardiola’s renowned intensity is familiar to his players, but Doku’s words underline the coach’s commitment to fixing issues with tactical sharpness and consistency on the training ground.
Context Behind the Struggles
Manchester City’s uneven start comes amid significant changes within the squad. New signings such as Rayan Cherki are still integrating into Guardiola’s demanding system, while long-serving goalkeeper Ederson departed to Fenerbahce, with Gianluigi Donnarumma arriving from PSG as his high-profile replacement.
These adjustments, coupled with injuries and fixture congestion, have increased pressure on Guardiola to quickly restore balance ahead of a crucial set of fixtures after the international break.
What’s Next for City?
With Champions League commitments and key domestic battles on the horizon, the coming weeks could define City’s season. Doku’s insight suggests Guardiola is not shying away from the challenge but instead doubling down on his methods to spark an immediate reaction.
FAQ
Q: What did Jeremy Doku say about Guardiola?
A: He stated that Guardiola remains as passionate as ever and is working harder to help City overcome their early struggles.
Q: How has Manchester City started the new season?
A: They opened with a 4-0 win against Wolves but have since suffered defeats to Tottenham and Brighton.
Q: What challenges are City facing?
A: Injuries to players like Oscar Bobb and Rayan Aït-Nouri, squad transitions with new arrivals, and the departure of Ederson have disrupted their rhythm.
Q: What lies ahead for Guardiola and City?
A: Critical fixtures after the international break, with pressure mounting to steady performances and maintain competitiveness across all competitions.
Conclusion
Doku’s comments paint a clear picture of Guardiola’s current mindset: relentless, demanding, and fully committed to reversing City’s fortunes. With new faces bedding in and pressure mounting, the coming weeks will be a decisive test of both Guardiola’s methods and Manchester City’s resilience.
