Jamie Redknapp claims Pep Guardiola ‘messing around with the team’ has given other teams a chance

Jamie Redknapp has claimed Pep Guardiola has boosted the hopes of Manchester City‘s Premier League title rivals by continuing to tinker with his starting team.

The reigning Premier League champions are targeting a third consecutive title but currently lie two points behind leaders Arsenal, with the Gunners also having a game in hand.

Redknapp has claimed Guardiola’s frequent changes to his team have caused uncertainty in the Manchester City squad, with players struggling to adapt to the system.

The Sky Sports pundit suggested the changes have allowed Arsenal and Manchester United into the title race this season, but claimed Guardiola’s side would retain their title if he returns to a settled back four.

‘If they go to a conventional back four I think they win the league by six or seven points, but the fact that he’s messing around with the team all the time, I think has given other teams a chance,’ Redknapp said.

Jamie Redknapp has claimed Pep Guardiola’s changes have given rivals a chance of the title

Redknapp suggested Guardiola’s alterations have created uncertainty among City’s players

‘The players don’t quite know where they’re fitting into the system. Haaland has given them such an outlet in terms of goals but they’ve lost that extra player in midfield. That’s why he’s trying to get one of the full-backs into midfield. 

‘When we can’t guess your team sometimes it’s hard for the players.’

Redknapp also insisted Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has been impacted by Belgium’s dismal World Cup campaign.

The highly fancied side crashed out in the group stages of the tournament in Qatar, amid reports of splits within the camp.

De Bruyne had faced criticism for suggesting the squad were ‘too old’ to go the distance prior to the tournament, with the 31-year-old failing to make an impact on the pitch. 

The midfield star was out of the starting eleven during Manchester City’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham earlier this month, before playing the following three matches from the start.

This included scoring a goal and providing an assist in City’s crucial 3-1 win over Arsenal.

De Bruyne was on the bench for City’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth, after missing their midweek Champions League draw with RB Leipzig due to illness. 

‘There’s definitely something going on with De Bruyne, he’s in and out of the team, he left him out against Tottenham,’ Redknapp claimed.

‘He’s probably thinking I’ve got to leave him for Leipzig.

Redknapp claimed Kevin De Bruyne has been impacted by Belgium’s early World Cup exit

De Bruyne was left on the bench of Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday

‘He’s not been the same since the World Cup. What happened with Belgium has affected him.’ 

Redkanpp’s fellow pundit Glenn Murray suggested De Bruyne’s absence from the team would be a blow to Erling Haaland.

‘We’re speculating but this is the business end of the season and this is when you need De Bruyne,’ Murray said. ‘You’d expect him to be starting more games. 

‘When Haaland sees De Bruyne is not playing his heart will sink a bit because De Bruyne’s first thought is where’s Erling?, can I find him?’