Pep Guardiola’s tactical decisions came under scrutiny in Manchester City’s dramatic Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
In a match where Jack Grealish got an injury, an Erling Haaland brace wasn’t enough for Man City, with two late goals earning the visitors a crucial victory on the night.
It was a former blue in Brahim Diaz who got the equaliser, with Jude Bellingham netting the winner at the depth – much to the fault of Ederson.
But whilst Diaz came back to bite City on Tuesday evening, it was a much more recent transfer woe that left City fans furious.
Man City fans think Kyle Walker loan was a mistake after Madrid clash
The Citizens were without a traditional right-back in their 3-2 first-leg loss at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola opted to start central defender Manuel Akanji there, however, he was forced off at half-time due to injury. Rico Lewis, himself not a right-back, replaced Akanji at half-time.
Man City fans were left frustrated with their side’s defensive struggles against Real Madrid. Many pointed to the absence of Kyle Walker, questioning why the club let him leave on loan.
A player with the experience, strength and speed of Walker was undeniably missing, leaving City’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
Man City fans were quick to voice their frustrations after the defeat. Many felt the lack of a natural right-back proved costly, with some specifically highlighting Rico Lewis’ struggles as the reason Guardiola’s side lost.
Before the game, one fan predicted City would struggle without Walker.
After full-time, they were certain their concerns were justified. “Kyle Walker wouldn’t have let Vini get ahead of him to that ball at the end, I feel vindicated”, he said again on X.
Another fan took to X to express their frustration: “Hate me all you want, even an aged Walker wouldn’t struggle against Vini like Rico Lewis is!”
Fans continued to question the decision to let Walker leave, with one pointing to City’s defensive struggles. “No matter how bad of a season Walker was having at City, letting him go was their biggest mistake. Look at Lewis for that Bellingham goal”, another fan said on X.
Even Real Madrid fans were ready to acknowledge Walker’s departure opened a huge gap for them to exploit.
Wayne Rooney agrees with Man City fans
England legend Wayne Rooney agreed with fans. The former Manchester United star questioned the club’s decision to let their captain leave on loan in the middle of a crisis.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney said: “I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven, eight years for Manchester City. I think it’s so strange to see Walker go out on loan to AC Milan.”
“Akanji’s obviously not a right-back, Rico Lewis is still a young player and playing in different positions. At this point in the season, where Manchester City are struggling, Kyle Walker’s the captain of the football club, to allow him to go on loan is really odd.”
Despite Walker being poor for City this season – he was undeniably missed on a big night on Europe’s biggest stage.
With the second leg looming next week, Guardiola has little time to fix City’s defensive issues. If they are to turn things around, he must find a solution fast.
