Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a stark ultimatum to his faltering squad, insisting they must "change the dynamic quick" following a humbling 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. The unexpected loss in the Arctic Circle, compounded by Rodri's sending-off, marks a new low in a concerning period for the reigning Premier League champions.
A Deepening Crisis for the Champions
The result deepens an alarming slump for City, who have now failed to win any of their last four Premier League matches. This poor run includes a damaging derby defeat to Manchester United just days before their European collapse. Their hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages now rest entirely on a final group game against Galatasaray next week.
Guardiola's Candid Assessment
Speaking in a subdued post-match press conference, Guardiola offered a frank analysis of his team's predicament. "Everything has started to be, since the new year, against (us) in many, many things," he reflected. The manager pointed to a crippling injury and illness crisis that has left his squad depleted and vulnerable.
"I know how good a team Bodo are. I didn’t underestimate them," Guardiola stated, acknowledging the quality of their opponents. He revealed the absence of eleven senior players through injury, suspension, or ineligibility had rendered the team "a little bit fragile."
Match Analysis: A Night to Forget
The scoreline at the Aspmyra Stadium arguably flattered the visitors. Bodo/Glimt dominated proceedings, racing into a two-goal lead in the first half through Kasper Hogh. After the break, Jens Petter Hauge added a spectacular third goal to put the result beyond doubt.
Rayan Cherki managed a consolation for City, but any faint hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Rodri received two quick yellow cards and was dismissed just after the hour mark. The Norwegian side could have won by a greater margin, with Hogh having a goal disallowed and Hauge striking the woodwork.
Looking Ahead: An Urgent Reset Required
Guardiola dismissed suggestions his team appeared "flat," instead crediting Bodo/Glimt's performance. "I do not agree. Bodo were really good and we congratulate them. We cannot say anything else," he insisted. On Rodri's controversial red card, the manager described the second booking as "a little bit soft," but accepted the decision pragmatically.
With only victories against lower-league Exeter and Newcastle in domestic cups to show for 2026, the pressure is mounting. Guardiola's immediate focus is clear: "We have to change the dynamic quick for the next game against Wolves and after that the last game against Galatasaray."
He concluded with a sombre note that captured City's current state: "It was an incredible opportunity for us and the feeling is that everything (that can be) going wrong, is going (wrong) in many, many details. That is a fact and you have to try to change it." The coming days will test whether his squad can respond to this urgent call for change.
