(Credit: Imago / Getty Images)

Ben Palmer

Thu 21 August 2025 18:00, UK

Pep Guardiola is playing for his reputation this season as he bids to ensure Man City do not suffer another agonising collapse.

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That is the view of former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Spaniard has also had to cope with some major losses this year.

Guardiola has taken charge of two trophyless seasons during his time in England.

His first campaign in 2016, and last year.

The Sky Blues looked stale and lifeless for much of last season, finishing 13 points behind Liverpool last term.

There had been suggestions that Guardiola may be tempted to quit Man City, and the former Barcelona manager threatened to leave if his squad size was not reduced [BBC Sport].

However, Man City signed Tijjani Reijnders and five other players this summer whilst also letting Kevin De Bruyne join Napoli, Kyle Walker leave for Burnley, and Jack Grealish depart to join Everton.

And according to Le Tissier, the 54-year-old will be drilling into his side the importance of avoiding another calamity this season.

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Kevin De Bruyne’s career statistics at Man City.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Le Tissier explained that whilst he did not think Guardiola was at risk of losing his job at the Etihad, City’s manager would be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season.

He said: “I think he’s bought up enough credit in the bank to not be under pressure for his job, let’s put it that way, but I’m sure his own personal pride would have taken a bit of a battering.

“Obviously, they didn’t go as far as they wanted to in the Club World Cup either.

“Pep’s basically playing for his reputation this season because if he has another season like that one, people are then going to start asking questions.

Pep Guardiola was unable to call upon Rodri for the majority of last season.

If you start losing a few games and your confidence goes, it’s really hard to get that back.

“That’s kind of what happened to Man City last season, so they’ve got to get off to a good start.”

Whilst Guardiola is keen to reduce his squad size, it would be a surprise to see the Sky Blues turn their noses up at the chance of signing one of the best wingers in world football.

Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider that Rodrygo’s representatives have flown in to talk with Man City and Liverpool over the possibility of a move to the Premier League.

Rodrygo is highly sought after this summer.

Credit: IMAGO

The Brazilian winger has found himself shuffled down the pecking order at Real Madrid since Xabi Alonso’s arrival this summer.

Indy Kaila also told Football Insider exclusively that Liverpool have learnt of Rodrygo’s wage demands, and the two Premier League powerhouses could be about to go head-to-head in an attempt to sign the 24-year-old.

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