Guardiola's frequent upsets have burdened the team; if Manchester City fails to make the top 8 in the Champions League, they will need to play 9 matches in 28 days in February.

Guardiola led Manchester City to an unprecedented four straight Premier League championships, but ever since his divorce last season, the team's form has deteriorated drastically. Guardiola and City have hit a major plateau, being eliminated from the Club World Cup by Al Hilal, and recently losing in the Champions League to underdog teams, continuously producing shocking results under Guardiola's management.

In the 7th round of the Champions League, Manchester City shockingly lost 1-3 away to Bodø/Glimt, marking their second consecutive defeat across all competitions and handing their opponent their first win of the season in Europe. Guardiola's overreliance on Haaland backfired as the striker appeared disengaged and ineffective once again, going eight straight matches without impact and receiving low ratings below 7 after games. After selling Alvarez, City lost their long-range shooting and ball progression abilities, while Haaland often disappears from key moments, leaving City struggling in critical battles.

Following the 1-3 loss to Bodø/Glimt, Manchester City's Champions League ranking has dropped to seventh place, with the teams behind eagerly eyeing the top-eight spots that grant direct advancement. Even Barcelona, currently 15th, could surpass City in the rankings with a win in this round. If City fails to secure a top-eight finish in the group stage, February’s schedule will become extremely congested due to the need to play Champions League qualification playoffs.

Manchester City is currently competing on four fronts,In February, they have five Premier League matches, one second-leg semi-final in the League Cup at home against Newcastle, and an FA Cup fourth-round home game against Salford City, totaling seven matches. If the two-legged Champions League qualification playoffs are included, the total rises to nine matches.Therefore, whether Manchester City can finish in the Champions League top eight is crucial for their upcoming schedule. Given City's current form, even the eighth-round home match against Galatasaray may not guarantee a full three points. And even if they win, it depends on other teams' results, as after the seventh round’s matches, City is very likely to fall out of the top eight. Guardiola’s repeated upsets have already undermined City’s stability as a top team.