Almost a quarter of the way into the Premier League season, questions are being asked about the current situation at reigning champions Manchester City.
For most sides, sitting in second place after eight games in arguably the toughest league in world football, would not be questioned. With this Manchester City team, however, doubts are being raised about the domestic treble winners of last season, with some asking whether Pep Guardiola is experiencing his worst season yet as a professional manager.
If City's Premier League start has had a couple of wobbles, the blistering pace that rivals Liverpool have shown (WWWWWWWW) has only seen the spotlight shine brighter on the reigning champions.
But is it really Pep's worst season as a coach?
Firstly, of course, it is only eight games into the season, far too early to make any firm statements about league form. There is, though, enough data to begin the comparisons with his other spells in charge of other clubs, something that can be developed as the campaign progresses.
In general, Guardiola's start to the season has been positive. A few surprising slip-ups aside, there have also been impressive wins including a battering of Watford that has them leading the way in goals scored. So, how does this start compare to his other roles in charge?
It's clear from the table below that Pep's early win rate is far from his worst over a full campaign. The worst campaign was in 2017, his first in England, which we can clearly look back on as his bedding-in season. It's worth noting that last year's single-point winning margin over The Reds came with an 85.2% win rate, and that began with 20 points from their opening eight fixtures (the same as Chelsea and Liverpool).
The debate over any potential issues at Manchester City will continue on a weekly basis - the defensive unit receiving particular attention - because of the enormous power the club now weilds on an economic, sporting and institutional level. On the field Pep has had poorer runs of results than this, but if his main rivals for the Premier League title can maintain their form, he will know that another exceptional campaign is required to win a third consecutive crown.
Mokekrt
0
I believe Pep will not face bad season just like Allfootball app became tasteless and nonsense these days.
bupcdlp
0
wait for the end of the international break, your perspective will surely change. you may feel like criticizing him now, things will change after few games. the reds will surely drop points, maybe more than 10, the season is still young...
tipdelnort
0
I think 3 tournament at a moment so player choosing will be the factor to loose
Yizabmsuyz
0
looking at the huge sums of money he invested in players he should even considered to be best manager because,it is not economical to have all these players and one cannot pinpoint out UCL trophy in his cabinet
Jamanoor88
0
He has won the league 3 times in a row with Bayern and Barcelona, so….
3 years
Jamanoor88
0
go and watch football again pep won it 3 in a row mourinho won it in 2012 that was Pep's last season in charge
how long was pep Guardiola in charge of Barcelona
ManCityFanForever
2
If this is Guardiola’s worst season with One trophy already won, then rest all the managers should be sacked😒
Tumazfresh
1
After January shopping he will be back stronger and better. Liverpool needs twice of their previous work to maintain their lead.
seddimp
3
This article should be;Is this the best season for Liverpool? Because pep is serial winner that's why you have the effrontery to question Guardiola runs?which coach have ever maintain this kind of runs?it took other so called best coach years to start winning one single trophy, while Guardiola is churning trophies like clothes in a textile factory, which team have ever won treble and comeback to maintain the same level? or do you think Guardiola is God?remember he is human like others bound to make mistake, or if you want to get a fair assessment,compare his seasons with other coaches seasons,Mr gullible writer Guardiola is not a machine, even machines do breakdown sometimes,make a constructive contributions and stop making useless write ups!!!
SharkBlue
1
season is not even half way yet. This article really does not deserve any comments.
albertaguero
0
no he would crown it all with champions league
respect man😎
lomekmoprs
0
no he didn't Mourinho won with 100 points and pep Guardiola ran off to new York
go and watch football again pep won it 3 in a row mourinho won it in 2012 that was Pep's last season in charge
lawalidris
2
You don't bury human being who is yet to die.
SIRNOR
3
if this is guardiola's worst season then Wat do u call ole's own??
nuebcdtuz
4
no he would crown it all with champions league
Hidcdlmnos
2
Big No,when he come to England first season he worst more than this
Jamanoor88
1
He has won the league 3 times in a row with Bayern and Barcelona, so….
no he didn't Mourinho won with 100 points and pep Guardiola ran off to new York
File13
0
He has won the league 3 times in a row with Bayern and Barcelona, so….