I don't think funds are a problem to Manchester city in buying the top players, in my opinion it's a coach tactics issue that the club is currently facing. Guardiola has being studied by the other managers of the premier league clubs and now they all know his strategies more than before when he just got to the EPL and was winning trophies back to back. Perhaps if City can make a change of a manager next season. The new coach can come in and turn things around with new tactics and style just as Slot is doing in Liverpool.
Manchester City has not spent a large amount of money on player purchases this season. I thought that Manchester City management would try to find a worthy replacement for De Bruyne. But they did not do that. Manchester City cannot find a worthy replacement for De Bruyne. This is one of the reasons why City's overall performance has been erratic this season.
Guardiola's match strategy cannot be considered too high now. Because the opposing coaches understand Guardiola's match strategy quite well. Moreover, we can see the decline in Manchester City's attacking performance. The team is now in a very shaky state. The possibility that City will compete for the title this season is very low.
Yes, Manchester City should be looking for a replacement for De Bruyne. If they don't find one, they'll have to be more vigilant, as opposing teams will undoubtedly try their best to win. It seems many coaches now know where Manchester City's weaknesses lie, and Pep's movements seem to be becoming more predictable to other coaches, resulting in City's inconsistent wins.
We don't know what will happen to Manchester City this season, but some predict that things will improve. But what's certain is that we'll just have to wait and see what Manchester City's next match brings. If Manchester City wins, then it's safe to say there's a chance for them to win a trophy this season.