Ederson opens up on tough times at Manchester City following failed move to Saudi Arabia. Things haven’t been the same since the transfer collapsed…

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**Tough times at Manchester City after failed Saudi Arabia transfer. Things haven’t been the same since the move collapsed…**

Ederson discusses tough times at Manchester City after a collapsed move to Saudi Arabia. Things haven’t been the same since the transfer fell through…

In a recent chat with ESPN Brasil, Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson reflected on the difficulties the team has faced in what has turned out to be a frustrating season for the current treble holders.

Looking back at the campaign, Ederson acknowledged that this has been one of the most difficult seasons he’s experienced since joining the club, especially when compared to the high bar they’ve set in previous years under Pep Guardiola.

After years of dominating the Premier League, City appear ready to hand over their title to Liverpool, with their championship hopes all but extinguished. Instead of competing for the top spot, they’re now fighting to stay in the top five and ensure UEFA Champions League football next season.

Still, a dramatic turnaround victory against Crystal Palace this past weekend brought a ray of optimism.

City overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 5-2 win at the Etihad, thanks in large part to Kevin De Bruyne, who is reportedly set to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

That result allowed City to climb from sixth to fifth in the league table, keeping their European aspirations alive with only six matches left to play.

They’re also still in the running for the FA Cup, with a semi-final meeting against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on the horizon. Despite the recent win, the season has been filled with inconsistencies, and Ederson pointed out various reasons behind the team’s struggles.

In a candid moment, the Brazilian shot-stopper shared that injuries have significantly affected the squad’s momentum.

He also admitted that several players, himself included, haven’t been performing at their usual standards, resulting in uneven displays and disappointing outcomes. *“It’s been a very unusual season, especially when you look at the kind of football we’ve played in recent years,”* Ederson explained. *“There have been a lot of injuries and some individual performances haven’t been great. That’s football – you can’t always be at your best, and if the whole team isn’t functioning well, then a lot has to change.”*

City’s Champions League journey came to a premature end this season after a heavy 6-2 loss to Real Madrid on aggregate in the Round of 16. A string of poor results in autumn had already dashed any realistic hopes of retaining the Premier League title.

Although Ederson was strongly linked with a Saudi move last summer, he stayed with City and has continued to contribute, even recording four assists this season.

One of those came in the recent match against Palace, where he set up James McAtee’s goal, the fourth of the night. He wrapped up by underlining the need to qualify for the Champions League, highlighting how crucial it is for both the squad and the club’s standing and financial health.

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