Manchester City

This is Manchester City's worst start to a season for five years and their second-worst under Pep Guardiola.

City are third in the Premier League table with 22 points from 12 games, which is just a point fewer than they had at this stage last season.

Interestingly, City did win the title with just 20 points after 12 games in 2020-21, but there was arguably not a title rival like Arsenal to catch that season because Tottenham and Liverpool were at the top with just 25 points.

The most points they have had at this stage under Guardiola is 34 during the title-winning 2017-18 season.

Emily Brobyn
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Having been thumped last season by Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs last season, Manchester City had enjoyed a positive start to their campaign this time round.

Unbeaten and sitting pretty in fourth spot before last night, one might have been inclined to think boss Pep Guardiola would keep the ship steady.

Visitors Bayer Leverkusen had a point to prove with just one win so far and stuck in 21st. Kasper Hjulmand's side have been scoring for fun in the Bundesliga recently – and were ready to unleash their firepower in Europe.

So it was not a night for experiments or wholesale changes – but Pep decided to make 10 alterations to the side that lost in the Premier League at Newcastle. Not so much plain sailing, but a tsunami for City.

The Champions League is not a competition to rotate so heavily. It was not disrespectful to Leverkusen, but it did hand them an advantage. Disruption and lack of rhythm was to be expected with so many changes.

You would think a manager taking charge of his 100th Champions League game for the club would have the foresight to recognise the threat Leverkusen pose and guard against it with gentle tweaks.

With rotation comes opportunity though and almost all failed their audition. There is huge concern about our squad depth and whether players like Rico Lewis, Savinho and Oscar Bobb can bring the quality City need to fight on all fronts for silverware this season.

The mesmeric was replaced by mediocrity – and the lack of fight from most was seriously damning.

As for Pep? All the best geniuses are flawed. Making five substitutes by the 65th minute showed he recognised the error of his ways. He has admitted as much – but with a trip to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid up next, Guardiola did not have to make life so difficult for himself.

Maybe that is what he thrives on, but sometimes a safe passage would be the wisest course of action instead of unnecessary anarchy.

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City should "not panic" after being stunned at home by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League to suffer back-to-back defeats.

Boss Pep Guardiola made 10 changes to the side that lost at Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday but it backfired with a 2-0 reverse at Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard took "full responsibility" for the result and said the number of changes made were "maybe too much".

Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders now feels it is a time for calm heads.

"We should not panic now," said the Dutchman. "Of course losing two times in a row is not a good thing but we know there are still plenty of chances this season and we have to go game to game.

"You're not playing a lot of times with each other, but we're playing for Manchester City so it shouldn't be a problem because if you play here you have quality. We have to show, it was too little today what we showed."

City will aim to put things right on Saturday when they host strugglers Leeds United.

Reijnders added: "Mentally we have to be ready. We know what we can do and what we showed before. It's on us to do that again.

"Don't lose the confidence because we have a lot of quality in the team."

Hear more from Reijnders on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on Manchester City's defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Why? We were trying to recover from Newcastle and the Champions League is a big deal - it is not the Carabao Cup. We were toothless, then desperate, then panicky. All possession and no punch. I really hope Pep Guardiola accepts the blame and apologises. It is arrogant and disrespectful to a good team who beat us comfortably.

John: Typical Guardiola to play a weaker starting XI instead of the strongest. He should get the game won then bring on substitutes. He is just too cocky in his attitude. He keeps doing the same thing and always comes unstuck.

Rodrique: Guardiola made a big mistake by not selecting a strong line-up at home. With the new format of the Champions League, every game at home is a must-win. Now we are in a bitter situation to qualify in the top eight. It's going to be difficult to do it because away from home, we struggle to win.

Al: A real lack of energy, intensity and creativity from the city players. Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and in particular Savinho, showed no passion or fight. Terrible to watch.

Peter: Pep's team was outclassed and he needs to realise his team aren't as good as he thinks. Looks like another trophyless season. The good times at Etihad Stadium are over.

John: The great man got it horribly wrong! Team lacked leadership and direction. They went sideways more times than a crab!

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown says Pep Guardiola's squad rotation gave Bayer Leverkusen the "belief" needed to secure a memorable win at Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola made 10 changes to the side that lost at Newcastle on Saturday but the decision backfired as City slumped to a second consecutive defeat.

"It's obvious City won't perform to the level that's expected when Guardiola makes all of those changes," Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "But I'm sure he felt his side had enough to go on and win that game with that side. That's the problem really.

"It started quite comfortably for City, moving the ball around with ease, playing attack versus defence. But, it was side to side, back and forth, without any real clinical side to it. There was no real pace or power or somebody brave enough to go through players to make something happen.

"They got countered a few times and you could see that first goal gave the visitors a real lift. Leverkusen were composed when they had to be, sat back and waited, and then countered when they were ready.

"It was a top-class away performance. Pep reacted very quickly at half-time with the three substitutions but they just couldn't find their way.

"It was flat, a little bit lacklustre, and you could feel it around the whole stadium. There was almost an expectation things were going to be routine but Pep making all those changes to his starting XI gave the away side a massive lift.

"If you walk onto the pitch and look across at all those players sat on the bench, you think you've got a great chance, and it gives you that belief.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is concerned about an over-reliance on Norway striker Erling Haaland, 25, so will consider rivalling Liverpool for Bournemouth's 25-year-old Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola said on Friday that the season started then, following the conclusion of the last international break of the year, but Manchester City are yet to get going since the resumption.

They would have been expected to bounce back after suffering defeat at St James' Park at the weekend, but the Spaniard made a glut of changes to his starting line-up, much to the surprise of most in attendance at Etihad Stadium.

It led to a disjointed showing from the English side and fringe players such as Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb and Savinho failed to take the opportunity offered to them in the front three.

Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki were all introduced in the second half as Guardiola attempted to rescue a result, but their run of 13 consecutive home victories against German opposition in this competition abruptly came to a halt.

With three league phase games remaining, this could prove to be a damaging loss for City, dropping them down to sixth in the table. They will find themselves out of the top eight if results go against them in Wednesday's fixtures, dropping at least for now into the places that go into a playoff round rather than straight through to the last 16.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke to TNT Sports after his side's defeat to Bayer Leverkusen: "I take full responsibility, still I think the players that started were exceptional players but we missed something needed at the highest level. We now have to fight for the next games."

On what was missing: "They [Leverkusen] were good, in general we did very good things as well, we had more chances than them, but they were half-chances always with blocks or something there so we didn't have that belief where it was a moment to attack or a moment to defend, it was about being present and having the determination to say 'okay I'm going to make a movement'. Sometimes it happens."

On making 10 changes to the starting XI: "I have to accept it. If we win, it wouldn't be a problem so I have to accept that maybe it's a lot but I think playing every two or three days we need to [make changes] but seeing the result, maybe it's too much."

On facing Real Madrid next in the Champions League: "We have time."

Hear more from Guardiola on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sprung a surprise with his starting line-up tonight, taking charge of the club for the 100th time in the Champions League.

Star striker Erling Haaland and number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma are on the bench as the Spaniard makes 10 changes to the side that lost at Newcastle on Saturday.

James Trafford starts in goal and the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Oscar Bobb and Savinho all come in, with John Stones captaining the side and Omar Marmoush playing up front.

Needless to say, it's a very strong bench should things not be going City's way.

Man City XI: Trafford, Khusanov, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Lewis, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Bobb, Savinho, Marmoush.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand gives a start to former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, while former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken is between the sticks.

On-loan City midfielder Claudio Echeverri has found minutes had to come by this season and is once again on the bench alongside former Burnley man Nathan Tella.

Bayer Leverkusen XI: Flekken, Quansah, Bade, Grimaldo, Belocian, Maza, Garcia, Tillman, Poku, Kofane, Schick.

There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday, including three involving Premier League clubs, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Ajax v Benfica (17:45)

• Galatasaray v Union Saint-Gilloise (17:45)

• Bodo/Glimt v Juventus

• Borussia Dortmund v Villareal

• Chelsea v Barcelona - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Marseille v Newcastle United

• Napoli v Qarabag

• Slavia Prague v Athletic Club

Kick-offs at 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Barcelona" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Bayer Leverkusen", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Erling Haaland is a phenomenal goalscorer, but even the best have an off day in front of goal, and he had one of his worst on Saturday against Newcastle.

Only once has Haaland been more wasteful - based on xG - in a Premier League game than he was at St James' Park and that was in May 2023 at Brighton.

The problem is that City cannot afford for him to have an off day this season as they have never been more reliant on him.

Haaland has scored 58% of their goals, taken 30% of their shots and had 57% of their xG - which are all significant increases on previous Premier League seasons.

That is perhaps to be expected given he is one of the best strikers in the world and Pep Guardiola will want him to have as many opportunities as he can, but are City putting too many eggs in the Norwegian's basket?

The stats would argue, yes.

The goals, shots and xG of Haaland compared to City as a whole, show they are the most 'one-man' team in the Premier League this season.

Behind them for the most goals are Brentford and Igor Thiago at 50%; for shots are West Ham and captain Jarrod Bowen at 23% and for xG it is Crystal Palace and their striker Jean-Philippe Mateta at 41%.

Manchester City need Haaland to be ruthless and clinical if they are to win games, or a wider goal effort from the team if Haaland is having 'one of those days'.

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Rewind to the summer transfer window, and Manchester City were battling to keep hold of Savinho amid talk of an eye-watering £70m valuation potentially being matched by Tottenham.

That was off the back of a debut season for the Brazilian at Etihad Stadium that failed to set the world alight in terms of goal contributions, but one that certainly showed plenty of promise and a staggering wealth of natural ability likened to the legendary Riyad Mahrez.

City's faith in Savinho, in addition to their successful fight to hold off interest from north London, was further cemented by the decision to reward the winger with a new contract running until the summer of 2031.

Now, some fans can't stand the sight of him, whether that is coming on from the bench or named in the starting line-up. But how has it gone so wrong? And how has that happened so fast for arguably one of the most highly rated wingers in the game, and one that Manchester City quite clearly believe has a huge part to play in their future?

Savinho seems entirely lacking in confidence at the moment. There is a hesitancy about his game in some situations, and simultaneously an over-greed and urgency to try to make something happen when too often the simple pass or link-up with team-mates would be the more logical choice.

Then you look at elements of his own body language when he is granted opportunity to change a game by Pep Guardiola, which was the case at St James' Park. There is a lack of fight or hunger to win the ball back at times and he can at times be seen blaming team-mates for his own flaws or misplaced passes.

Are we looking at a case of a player who simply doesn't have the quality to perform at the very highest level of the game? Is this a talent who doesn't have the attitude when things are going wrong? Or are we missing something entirely that Manchester City quite clearly see?

Something needs to change. Goal contributions and star performances need to be delivered - and fast - or we could be demanding a brutal reassessment of Savinho's place in this Manchester City side come next summer.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Midfielder Bernardo Silva is likely to leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol says he "couldn't sleep" last season as he was trying to think of "solutions for the team" during their slump in form.

City finished third in 2024-25, a season Gvardiol says was "the worst season so far in my career".

"It was painful," he added.

"I remember I couldn't sleep because I was trying to find solutions for the team to help get the club out of its position.

"Things were not going the way we wanted so I am glad that is behind us and we recovered well.

"We want to perform and be the best as we can. From now on I think things will be much easier."

Gvardiol, who made the switch from RB Leipzig in August 2023, won the Premier League in his debut season and now has his eye on the Champions League trophy.

"Every season I am full of ambitions," he added. "I am still young and I would like to win the Champions League.

"It is quite difficult to win it because it is a competition where all of the best are included.

"For the last three or four seasons of my career, I have realised how difficult it is but hopefully one day I will get that trophy."

Hear more from Gvardiol on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Rodri and Mateo Kovacic remain unavailable but everyone else is in contention to play.

• He said "not long" when asked how far Rodri is away from returning. Guardiola added: "We will wait a little bit more to make sure he is fine."

• On Gianluigi Donnarumma's discipline and what the plan would be if his goalkeeper gets suspended: "He has to defend his position. If he's booked, he's booked. James [Trafford] will play."

• He said the defeat by Newcastle is "immediately forgotten" and City have to move on because the Champions League game is "massively important to finish in the first eight" and qualify for the next round.

• Guardiola apologised for his behaviour after the Newcastle defeat when he spoke with Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and appeared to argue with a camera operator: "I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don't like it. I apologised to the cameraman. I am who I am. Even with 1,000 games, I am not a perfect person and I make mistakes but always I will defend my team and my club."

• He joked that reaching 100 Champions League games in charge for City is a realisation he is "getting old because it's all milestones" now. He added: "Huge competition. So nice and special. The players love it. It is part of who we are and what we have built as a team and club."

Listen to Guardiola on BBC Radio Manchester

Follow all of Monday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen from 20:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola said last week that the season starts now following the conclusion of the final international break of the year.

But this period of fixtures started in disappointing manner with a Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday when Manchester City were on the wrong end of three refereeing calls.

They can return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday when they host Bayer Leverkusen, knowing victory will strengthen their position in the all-important top eight.

The contest will be Guardiola's 100th as boss of City in Europe's elite club competition, with the crowning moment being that triumph in the final over Inter Milan two years ago.

The Spaniard faces the cameras this lunchtime, with defender Josko Gvardiol also scheduled to be in attendance.