# Psychological uncertainty and tactics – assessing the issues at Man City

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/psychological-uncertainty-and-tactics-assessing-the-issues-at-man-city/
- Published: 2026-11-11T11:47:09+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T12:37:26+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cw30e0yz0p04o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- City have lost three league games in a row.
- Their financial appeal may add uncertainty for players.
- Defensive errors and tactical choices are under scrutiny.

## Summary

Manchester City’s strong start under Enzo Maresca has been followed by three consecutive Premier League defeats, leaving them six points behind leaders Arsenal. The article considers whether the slump reflects tactical problems, pressure from the club’s unresolved financial appeal, or a combination of factors.

Sports psychologist Paul McCarthy says uncertainty can unsettle players and repeated losses may weaken a squad’s belief in its ability to win. City have conceded 13 goals in their first 10 league games, their highest total at this stage since 2008-09, and four individual errors have contributed to goals in their past three matches. Maresca has also made greater use of an attacking 3-1-6 formation, which raises questions about the team’s defensive balance.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.