Alan Shearer Slams Manchester City’s “Weak” Mentality After Feyenoord Collapse
Alan Shearer has unleashed a fierce criticism of Manchester City following their stunning collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Despite racing into a 3-0 lead with goals from Erling Haaland and Ilkay Gundogan, City conceded three goals in the final 15 minutes, allowing the Dutch side to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw. The result marked a new low for Pep Guardiola’s side, making them the first team in Champions League history to lead by three goals after the 75th minute and fail to win.
City’s collapse comes on the back of a dismal run of form, which has seen them go six matches without a win, including five consecutive defeats. Shearer, who is known for his straightforward analysis, was left baffled by City’s failure to close out the game. Speaking to TNT Sports, he didn’t hold back in his assessment: “Conceding the way City did at the weekend and again this weekend, they look weak, they look light, they look frail. What you cannot do is give them a little bit of hope. That is what they did.”
Shearer was particularly critical of City’s decision-making in the final stages of the match. Despite leading 3-2 with just two minutes remaining, City’s quick free-kick allowed Feyenoord to pounce and further punish them. “Why take a quick free-kick when you’re in such a comfortable position? Kill the game off,” Shearer added, highlighting a lack of composure under pressure.
The result leaves Manchester City in a precarious position in Group G, sitting in 15th place and only two points above the relegation zone. With tough upcoming fixtures against Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Club Brugge, Guardiola’s men now face an uphill battle to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
Former City defenders Gael Clichy and Stuart Pearce also expressed their shock at the collapse. Clichy admitted he was “lost for words,” as City’s defense fell apart despite the clear dominance in the first half. “When there is no pressure on the ball, you can’t have your line flat. It’s basic defending,” Clichy said. Pearce, too, pointed to the defensive mistakes, emphasizing that City’s high defensive line and individual errors were key to throwing away the lead. “That will feel like a defeat,” Pearce said, adding that there would likely be tough conversations in the dressing room.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, were lauded for their resilience. The Dutch side’s fans celebrated as though they had won the league, their relentless pressure and belief paying off in the end. As Guardiola and his squad now brace for their next challenge, a crucial match against Liverpool this weekend, the questions surrounding City’s mentality and defensive frailty continue to grow louder.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0