Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side must “change the dynamic” following a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
A Historic Night in Norway
At the Aspmyra Stadion, City were stunned by a spirited Bodo/Glimt performance. Kasper Høgh struck twice in the first half before Jens Petter Hauge added a third after the break. Although Rayan Cherki pulled one back moments later, City’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Rodri was sent off for two quick bookings.
The victory marked Bodo/Glimt’s first-ever win in the Champions League group stage, a historic achievement for a club from a city of just 55,000 residents — a population that could almost fit inside City’s Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s Reflection
Guardiola struck a despairing tone after the match, acknowledging the team’s struggles:
“Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things,” he said.
He praised Bodo/Glimt’s quality, noting their run to the Europa League semi-finals last season, but admitted City were fragile without several key players. Guardiola was missing 11 senior players due to injury, illness, suspension, or ineligibility.
“We have to change the dynamic quick for the next game against Wolves and after that the last game against Galatasaray,” he added.
A Slump in Form
The defeat continues a worrying run for City:
- No wins in their last four Premier League matches, including a 2-0 loss to Manchester United that left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
- Their only victories in 2026 have come against third-tier Exeter in the FA Cup and Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg.
City’s hopes of securing an automatic place in the Champions League last 16 now hinge on their final group game at home against Galatasaray next week.
Rodri’s Red Card
Guardiola refused to criticise Rodri, who was dismissed after two bookings in quick succession. The Spain midfielder has struggled to regain form after missing most of last season with a serious knee injury.
“It was a difficult situation… It’s a little bit soft, the second one, but it is what it is,” Guardiola said.
Conclusion
Bodo/Glimt’s triumph serves as a reminder of football’s unpredictability, with the underdogs overcoming financial and talent disparities to deliver a famous victory. For Guardiola and City, the challenge now is to regroup, restore confidence, and rediscover their winning rhythm before their season slips further out of control.
