Nick Hornby’s observation in his book Fever Pitch that “the natural state of the football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score” resonates deeply with Manchester City’s current predicament. Despite their recent dominance under Pep Guardiola, the team’s recent struggles have led to growing frustration among their fans. This frustration has even resulted in boos directed at Guardiola, a reaction that former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard finds unjustifiable.
City’s recent form has been disappointing, with five losses and two draws in their last seven matches across all competitions. While fans may feel justified in their frustration, Howard believes their criticism of Guardiola, a manager who has brought unprecedented success to the club, is unwarranted. On a recent episode of Unfiltered Soccer, Howard voiced his disappointment, particularly regarding the boos heard after City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League. He described the fans’ reaction as shameful, even if the draw felt like a loss.
Howard reminded fans of their past behavior, highlighting instances when City’s European nights saw empty seats in the stands. He criticized the fanbase for not fully supporting the team, particularly during challenging times, and for taking their success under Guardiola for granted. “You don’t think you have the right to boo a team that’s given you these successes,” he argued, adding that the lack of loyalty to Guardiola during this rough patch reflects poorly on the supporters.
Despite Howard’s defense of Guardiola, Manchester City’s struggles in Europe remain a concern. The team sits in 17th place on the Champions League table, with only eight points after mixed results, including wins over Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Praha, draws against Inter and Feyenoord, and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sporting CP. However, their recent 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku, marks a step in the right direction. This win positions City in fourth place on the league table with 26 points, though they remain nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
While the Premier League victory offers a glimmer of hope, the gap in both domestic and European competitions continues to loom large. Guardiola’s track record suggests that City has the potential to bounce back, but it will require both tactical adjustments and unwavering support from the fans. Howard’s comments serve as a reminder that loyalty and belief are especially vital during periods of adversity, and City supporters must rally behind their team and manager to navigate this challenging phase.