Every Manchester City match now feels massive – Can this City squad handle the pressure? | OneFootball

Manchester City matches across the remainder of this season will become a test of patience and nerves as the pressure ramps up. City continue to find ways to win, but supporters are watching with a mix of pride and nervous energy. There’s trust in the system, but pressure brings out scrutiny — and this season, there’s plenty of that going around. Especially as the 25/26 season enters a critical phase as Pep Guardiola’s side chases honours on multiple fronts.

Manchester City are only four points behind league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table. They are also through to the round of 16 in the Champions, hold a 2-nil lead over Newcastle in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie and have progressed to the fourth-round of the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side have a busy schedule ahead with every game appearing to be significant in the coming months.

Core players taking ownership.

Success doesn’t come without leadership on the pitch. Several players are starting to take more responsibility in difficult moments, or their return injury will add precious leadership traist. Bernardo Silva has risen to the challenge in recent weeks. Manchester City’s captain has shown his willingness to do whatever it takes to lead his team to victory. His performance against Newcastle United’s formidable midfield in City’s 2-nil Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie win illustrates this point. Bernardo is inspiring his team and challenging his teammates to follow his lead.

Rodri is working his way back to full fitness and rediscovering his touch. At his best, his influence in midfield helps control the rhythm of games, and his availability seems to lift the confidence of those around him. Manchester City will be hoping that with every game that Rodri plays, his influence grows. Ruben Dias, with his vocal presence and defensive organisation, remains vital, especially when the team is under pressure late on. Dias is due to return from injury against Liverpool at Anfield next weekend, so his presence should be a massive boost to Pep Guardiola’s side. He has been missed although, Marc Guehi, and especially Abdukodir Khusanov have shown what they are capable of in his absence.

These players, when fully fit, aren’t just performing; they’re carrying the pressure, visibly leading when matches tighten. For supporters, seeing familiar faces step up is reassuring.

Squad depth is being pushed hard.

Balancing competitions takes its toll. The fixture list has left little room for rest, and minor injuries have become more common. That’s opened up space for players like Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki and others to be given more prominent roles and play in positions that make them vitally important to Pep Guardiola’s side. Their energy and drive have brought fresh intent, although there’s also been the occasional reminder that experience matters.

Squad rotation remains necessary, but it has its risks. Repeated changes to the starting eleven affect rhythm, and it’s something fans have noticed. Manchester City’s 2-nil loss to Bayer Leverkusen in late November illustrates this point. Some matches feel disjointed, with too many lineup adjustments altering Manchester City’s rhythm. Although the benefit of fresher legs and a deeper bench is clear to see as the fixtures come thick and fast for Manchester City.

Managing fitness levels across four competitions takes planning, and City have handled this well in recent years. But this season has shown signs of wear in certain areas, particularly when cover is needed for key players. But throughout January, Pep Guardiola’s squad has been hit hard by injuries. The fact that City continue to chase honours on four fronts is a testament to the drive, work rate and determination of the fit City players.

The new-look Manchester City team is still getting up to speed, which speaks to the fact that Pep Guardiola’s side is in transition. However, if injuries continue to hit the same positions, pressure may shift to those with less experience at the top level. The recent use of Max Alleyne in City’s defence shows what can happen when injuries hit one position in a cluster.

Big Fixtures, Bigger Reactions

February and March feature defining moments. The Champions League knockouts return, and the Premier League table remains tight. Each result could reshape how the season is remembered. This brings intensity on and off the pitch. Supporters feel it building, and the reaction to every result now echoes louder across platforms.

The pressure isn’t only felt inside the stadium. There is attention from everywhere, including those interested in following the current form through betting markets. When matches go into stoppage time or goal differences matter, more than just supporters are paying attention.

Manchester City’s experienced players know how to handle these periods. That said, the intensity can still impact decision-making. High-pressure environments tend to test not only skill, but concentration. Every misplaced pass or missed chance seems bigger when points are harder to come by.

Fans can help here. Keeping the focus on support rather than criticism during dips in form might not change outcomes directly, but it helps maintain a sense of unity around the team. And when margins are tight, that connection matters.

Manchester City fans will feel every high and low.

Following this City team means being emotionally invested in every outcome. One week, there’s excitement; the next, there’s debate over tactics or selections. It’s a natural part of supporting a side that’s held to such high standards.

Across social media and post-match forums, conversations shift fast. One moment, a player is being praised for a strong performance. A week later, the same name is being questioned for a dip in output. It’s not always fair, but it reflects how closely every move is watched.

That scrutiny becomes part of the pressure, too. Players are aware of the noise. Some use it as motivation, while others need more time to adapt to the spotlight. Supporters can set the tone, and when that tone stays balanced, it’s easier for players to respond with confidence.

Support doesn’t mean ignoring poor performances. It means recognising when effort is there, even if results aren’t perfect. This season might ask more from fans emotionally, but the connection to the squad has never felt more important.

Stay focused and back the team.

The question still stands — can this Manchester City squad handle the pressure? So far, they’ve given every reason to believe they can. The results haven’t always come easily, but the attitude,  team spirit and effort have remained consistent outside of Manchester City’s recent defeats to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt.

There’s pressure, but there’s also belief. Previous Manchester City teams hav dealt with intensity and pressure before and found results when others expected a drop. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but it gives a strong reason to keep faith in the new-look City squad and look ahead with confidence.