Manchester City is not actually bad in terms of squad. I think his backups are also very good, at least for a backup. Even though they did not get exactly the results they wanted in the Premier League this year, I see their future bright. When they get in shape towards the end of the league, they win consecutive victories and continue to be championship favorites.
They are not bad but they still need more squad depth because for a team that won a treble last season they should be able to do more and have more quality players incase of any injury crisis like they have this season. They are experiencing hardship because some key players are missing out due to injuries, i just hope Guardiola will notice this and add more quality players to solve the issue of squad depth.
They are far from being the League favorites this season but you can’t just write them off just yet, Guardiola can not be underestimated as we have seen him multiple times turnover from such struggling situations so we should out for him this season though i know Liverpool will not give up on this race easily, they are a team that can challenge him and will make it even harder for Manchester City to defend their title.
IMO, Pep doesn't actually care too much about how his squad can win match after match. based on my personal point of view, if Pep and his team are focused on wanting to win in every match, he doesn't need to bother experimenting with rotating and changing the system he uses. we can refer to every match that City plays, in fact Pep always tries something new. this season, Rico Lewis is the most diligent in Pep Guardiola's rotation. apart from that, rotating Foden, Bernaldo Silva, and rarely even playing Jack Grelish in the Premier League. if I try to analyze it according to my version, Pep wants something different from his squad. at the same time, several of their mainstay players were in and out of the recovery room and one of them, Kevin De Bruyne, had to be absent for a long time. if Pep wanted to remain consistent like other teams, he would easily stick to the same pattern and not change it.
For me, City didn't play badly even though they experienced 3 defeats and 4 draws. maybe, if Pep wants to take advantage of his players and try them in various positions. that's why he always does his experiments. well, in the second half of the season. usually, Pep will focus more on his goals after he feels satisfied with his experiment. moreover, injured players are ready to return to the main squad. so don't be surprised if City has the probability of shifting the teams above them. because after all, City has a chance for that. well, it is precisely in the middle of this season that Pep Guardiola's squad must be wary. because I am quite sure, they will start to be more serious in every match..and this is a warning for Liverpool, it could be that in the next meeting City will destroy the Red. therefore, Klopp's task to keep his team at the top of the standings is quite difficult. honestly, I can't wait for the competition to be held.