Potless Pep is facing his biggest test

PEP GUARDIOLA will suffer an unwanted first in his managerial career at Manchester City. With the last hope of silverware gone, it will be Guardiola’s first season without a trophy and the growing fear for City must be they could slip outside of the top four. City go into Thursday’s Manchester derby in a state of disarray, weighed down by high expectation and weary legs, and with United just a point behind and in much better form. Guardiola, the supposed best manager in the world brought in on £15million a year, is seeing the season fall apart around him. No title challenge, no trophy and now they could miss out on the top four. Manuel Pellegrini won the title, two League Cups and always finished in the top four. The comparisons between Guardiola and his predecessor do not look favourable. Rather predictably with Guardiola, the City boss looked for excuses, accusing Arsenal of using long-ball tactics and bemoaning refereeing decisions, hitting the woodwork and missed chances. Guardiola will probably feel his squad has not properly taken shape yet, he has inherited too many players who do not fit with his philosophy at the Etihad. But after David Silva went off injured, City lost their way. The familiar chant from the City fans of “Guardiola – so glad you’re mine” no longer sounds quite so convincing. He looks troubled at times, moody and unhappy. He’s got the biggest job of his life on his hands and you wonder whether he has still got it in him.