Manchester City’s struggles have been laid bare, with former Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry calling out their defensive vulnerabilities.
The Citizens suffered a shocking 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, and Henry believes Pep Guardiola’s side is desperately missing Kyle Walker’s defensive expertise.
Henry’s criticism comes as City struggles with injuries, including Rodri, John Stones, and Nathan Ake, and questions about their squad depth.
The team’s inability to press well and stop counters has been exposed, and Henry points to Walker’s absence as a major factor.
Henry pointed out that City’s inability to press well.
“When you’re a team who wants to be on the ball, you don’t press well, you don’t stop counters and you lost Kyle Walker to recover everything that happens, you’re behind the eight ball,” Henry said.
The former striker also highlighted City’s lack of ball retention, saying, “They used to be able to retain the ball very well and get high with the possession.”
Henry believed that Walker’s recovery speed is sorely missed, and City’s defensive lapses have been exposed, as seen in their recent loss to Bodo/Glimt.
Guardiola has acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “We have to come back – the results since 2025 is not good, in terms of the Premier League and now today.”
The manager remains optimistic, adding, “I don’t have any doubts in this competition, nothing is taken for granted that is for sure.
City’s recent form has been disappointing, with just two wins in their last seven games.
The team has splashed out on new players, including Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, but the results haven’t been forthcoming.
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