Chelsea Dragon
Look away Pep! You will not believe how Manchester City lined-up when they last lost four games in a row
In the wake of Pep Guardiola’s recent struggles, Manchester City XI was unrecognizable the last time they lost four games in a row
The world has not been used to what happened to Manchester City recently. Pep Guardiola’s team had never lost four games in a row since the legendary Spanish manager took charge. In fact, Guardiola had never lost four in a row in his entire managerial career.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s comeback win set the football historians working. It came to light that, Manchester City had never lost 4 games in a row in a staggering 18 years, 2 years before Sheikh Mansour’s take over. Even more baffling is the fact that the Cityzens were a below average team, at least until the turn of 2009.
The four losses in a row were split across two seasons, three games at the end of the 2005/06 season, and one game in the beginning of the next season (against Chelsea), and the manager was Stuart Pearce. Here, we take a look how Manchester City lined up when they last lost four games in a row.
GK – Nicky Weaver
The veteran Goalkeeper was nearly a decade into his time at Manchester City. He left the club at the end of that season. Weaver hung up his boots in 2014, after having last played for Aberdeen.
RB – Micah Richards
Big Meeks was just 18 back then. He was into his second season at Manchester City, and like Weaver, he was a part of the club for 10 years. He left to for Aston Villa in 2015, and announced his retirement in 2019, at only 31.
CB – Sylvain Distin
Although, the Frenchman rose to prominence at Everton, it was at Manchester City that Distin made the most league appearances. After 5 years at the club, Distin left City in 2007. He retired in 2016, having last played for Bournemouth.
CB – Richard Dunne
The no-nonsene Richard Dunne is a certified Manchester City legend. However, it was the era of his stay at the blue side of Manchester, that doesn’t earn him the flowers he deserves. After 296 league appearances for City, Dunne left for Aston Villa in 2009. He ended his career after two years at Queens Park Rangers in 2015.
LB – Ben Thatcher
Ben Thatcher was in his third season at Manchester City. It was the Welshman’s last season for the Cityzens. He hung up his boots in 2010, after having played for Ipswich Town, last.
CDM – Trevor Sinclair
Trevor Sinclair was quite a regular starter at Manchester City. He went on to play for them until 2007, before leaving to Cardiff City for a year. He last played for Lancaster City in 2015. However, he briefly came out of retirement to play a game for Squires Gate in 2018.
CDM – Joey Barton
Joey Barton is arguably the most controversial footballer ever. However, it was at Manchester City that Barton made most appearances in his career. Repeated disciplinary issues saw him moving across a number of clubs. He retired in 2017, having last played for Burnley.
CM – Claudio Reyna
Giovanni Reyna’s father was 33 during this match. He had joined Manchester City in 2003, and was a part of the club until 2007. After a year at New York Red Bulls in the 2007/2008 season, Reyna hung up his boots.
CAM – Ousmane Dabo
This game was Ousmane Dabo’s debut for Manchester City. The Frenchman made only 13 appearances in the league for the Cityzens. He then went on to play for Lazio and New England Revolution before announcing his retirement.
ST – Georgios Samaras
Georgios Samaras hadn’t hit his peak here. It was only after he left the EPL club, that his star-power rose. The Greek player joined Celtic in 2008, after leaving City, and went on to make 156 league appearances, scoring close to 50 goals. Samaras announced his retirement in 2018, when he was only 33.
ST – Bernardo Corradi
Bernardo Corradi also made his debut against Chelsea. Unfortunately, he was also sent off after a second yellow. The Italian just made 25 appearances for City, scoring only 3 goals. Corradi retired in 2012.
Arsenal Dragon
USWNT Star Reported to Have Offer From Barcelona as Man City and Arsenal Monitor Chelsea Forward’s Uncertain Future With Blues
United States star Catarina Macario reportedly has an offer on the table from three time Champions League winners Barcelona, amid growing interest in her services from major clubs across Europe. Macario’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season, and it has also been reported that she has turned down a new deal with the Blues, making her a figure of real interest as the summer transfer window approaches.
It was reported last week by Tom Garry of The Guardian that Macario had turned down an offer of a contract extension at Chelsea, where she has been since leaving Lyon back in 2023. This is a massive development given Macario’s world class potential when fully fit.
Chelsea’s Future in Serious Doubt
It felt like this season was set to be a big one for the 26 year old, with her telling GOAL ahead of the campaign that she was expecting to be free of the meticulous management of her minutes. However, things have not quite gone to plan. Niggling injuries have troubled Macario at times, with her yet to play in 2026 because of a heel issue.
It’s hard not to feel like Macario’s stint with the Blues is coming to a natural end, with her perhaps able to rediscover her best form in another system or environment. According to Kathryn Batte of The Telegraph, the versatile forward has an offer from Barcelona on the table, with Manchester City, Arsenal, and London City Lionesses among the other European clubs to have shown interest.
Spanish Publication Questions Barcelona Interest
However, Spanish publication Sport counters the claims that Barca have tabled an offer for Macario, citing the player’s high salary amid the Catalans’ financial restraints as one reason why a deal wouldn’t make much sense. The need to strengthen in defence rather than attack is another factor, with full back Ona Batlle set for a move to Arsenal when her contract expires this summer.
There is also the possibility that Macario returns to the United States and signs for a club in the NWSL.
Chelsea
Sonia Bompastor Keeps Reason for Paul Green’s Chelsea Exit Private and Confidential as Manager Refuses to Explain Shocking Departure After 13 Years
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor wants to keep it private and confidential as to why Paul Green suddenly left the club after 13 years. Green left his role as head of women’s football on Monday evening, despite having had a significant impact on their success in the last decade.
During his time at the club, the majority spent working with former boss Emma Hayes, and Chelsea won 19 trophies, including six Women’s Super League titles in a row. There was speculation about Green’s departure in reports this week, but when asked if fans deserved more of an explanation, Bompastor said, “I think it’s probably not a question for me to answer. Maybe some other people in the club can answer that question.”
Players Were Sad About Green’s Departure
“Everyone was sad. On a human level, it’s never positive news to have someone leaving the building,” added Bompastor when asked about the reaction to the news. This is clearly a difficult situation for Bompastor, who appeared blindsided by the decision, according to BBC Sport sources.
A number of players in the squad posted about Green’s exit on social media and their subsequent disappointment, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright. Striker Sam Kerr said his departure was a big, big loss for the club, while ex-Chelsea boss Hayes described him as the absolute best in the business.
I Know My Players Are With Me
Following recent concerns, a report in The Athletic suggested some players had not taken to Bompastor’s training methods. But she responded, “I know there is a lot of noise going on about our team outside the environment. I know my players are with me. We are all together focusing on the next game.”
Bompastor insisted the processes are still working and running, despite noticeable disappointments in recent transfer windows. Chelsea are third in the WSL, nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Also read: Revealed: Why Paul Green Left Chelsea Women in Shock Exit as Emma Hayes Departure Exposed Perceived Lack of Leadership at WSL Powerhouse
Chelsea
Revealed: Why Paul Green Left Chelsea Women in Shock Exit as Emma Hayes Departure Exposed Perceived Lack of Leadership at WSL Powerhouse
Paul Green left Chelsea Women after the departure of legendary manager Emma Hayes exposed a perceived lack of leadership at the WSL powerhouse, Daily Mail Sport understands. Women’s football was left stunned on Monday when the club announced their head of football had departed following 13 years’ service in an era that saw the team lift 19 trophies.
The move came just a week after Hayes’ replacement, Sonia Bompastor, signed a new contract. In the days previous, Bompastor had voiced her frustration at recruitment during the summer, highlighting a lack of squad depth as one of the reasons Chelsea found themselves nine points behind leaders Manchester City. This criticism clearly struck a nerve with senior figures at Stamford Bridge.
Green Held Responsible for Leadership Gaps
It is understood that Bompastor’s views reflected a wider view already held by key figures in the club’s hierarchy, and that Green appears to have been held responsible. A review into Chelsea’s disappointing season so far has been carried out and concluded that a fresh structure was needed to best support the staff and players.
Following Hayes’ departure, Chelsea shifted from a manager led model to a head coach model. Hayes was known to have been heavily involved across all areas and took on the vast majority of major decision making. Bompastor’s remit is more that of a pure coach, with a focus on performance and technical style rather than overall running of the club and recruitment.
Transfer Window Identified as Problem Area
Decision makers have put many issues down to gaps that gradually emerged and widened in the club’s leadership post Hayes. The transfer window was one of the areas identified as needing improvement. Chelsea will now seek a replacement as part of a new leadership structure with the aim of ensuring consistency and accountability going forward.
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