Pep Guardiola has spoken about Oscar Bobb’s poor form, explained that he will soon recover the form that once propelled him into Manchester City’s senior squad, despite a challenging run that has placed the young winger under increased scrutiny.
The 22-year-old Norwegian, who was one of City’s standout emerging figures during the 2023/24 campaign, has struggled to regain his rhythm this season after a long spell on the sidelines.
His latest outing — a subdued cameo in City’s 2–1 defeat at Newcastle United — has amplified questions among supporters about his readiness to reclaim a consistent starting role.
City controlled large stretches of the match at St James’ Park but lacked incision in front of goal, failing to convert a series of clear openings.
Harvey Barnes capitalised with a brace, including a dramatic winner awarded following an extended VAR review.
The visitors left Tyneside frustrated by their finishing and several officiating decisions, while Bobb’s limited impact after coming on late added to the narrative of a player still searching for fluency.
Guardiola, however, remains convinced that the qualities that previously made Bobb a standout option have not vanished.
The City manager emphasised that Oscar Bobb‘s poor form must be viewed through the lens of the player’s disrupted development, having missed nearly the entirety of last season with a leg fracture.
Coaches close to the first team say Bobb is still rebuilding physical sharpness, tactical rhythm, and confidence — all vital components in Guardiola’s demanding system.
According to CityXtra, the manager spoke at length about Oscar Bobb’s poor form in the days leading up to the Newcastle fixture, making clear his continued belief in the winger’s potential.
For Guardiola, the current challenges are simply part of the natural progression for a young player adjusting to both competition and a tactical environment that leaves little room for hesitation.
“Sometimes you have less minutes [because of] competition or we play a little bit different, but I have a lot of [good] opinions about him,” Guardiola said, explaining the delicate balance between squad rotation and individual development.
He added: “He played first few games, he played well defensively, the high pressing and his intuition is extraordinary and the moment he is freeing his mind, I know he can do it.
“The last few games for Norway he played really, really good and I missed him last season a lot and he’s going to help us.
“He will be back and when he plays, he’s going to be really good. Last season he had pre-season but was injured, so this is the first time he plays more minutes in a team like City.
“He is so young and has to take it step by step and take the minutes we give him, [will be] the best for the team and for himself.”
The message, delivered calmly but firmly, serves as both reassurance and expectation: Bobb is trusted, but he must work his way back into top form gradually and responsibly.
Guardiola has long been an advocate of carefully managed pathways for young players.
Throughout his managerial career, he has shown patience with talents who possess the intelligence and work ethic required to flourish in elite environments.
Phil Foden stands as the most prominent example at Manchester City — a player nurtured slowly but meticulously until he was ready to become a decisive figure.
Bobb may now be following a similar route, albeit with the added complication of last year’s major injury and the challenge of breaking into a squad stacked with established internationals.
Yet those inside the club point to his spatial awareness, pressing instincts, and calmness in tight areas as qualities that align closely with the manager’s vision for wide creative players.
Even in the midst of his recent struggles, Guardiola’s faith appears unwavering.
Therefore, despite Oscar Bobb’s poor form, the City boss views the winger’s difficulties not as a sign of decline but as a predictable bump for a young player climbing back from long-term absence.
The coaching staff believe that once Bobb returns to full confidence, his decision-making and energy will once again make him a valuable attacking option.
