Manchester City's Lack of Self-Belief in Champions League Their Downfall Again

Many have pointed to a strange lack of self-belief and confidence as reasons for Manchester City's poor Champions League form since they first entered the competition in 2011.

Unlike games domestically where City look to destroy teams, often scoring a barrage of goals and relentlessly looking to add to their tally, in Europe, they appear cautious and unconvincing. It's led to a nervousness that now hangs over them every time they step out to that famous Champions League anthem—an obvious psychological issue that holds their players back from performing at their highest level.

City have now conceded two or more goals in six of their last seven matches in this competition. After four games in Group E this season, they are without a win, have just two points and sit bottom of the table below an average CSKA Moscow side. Four games in, this campaign is turning into a disaster.

After two group-stage exits under Roberto Mancini left everyone connected with City underwhelmed, Manuel Pellegrini managed to take them to the last 16 last season, a significant step forward that had seemingly erased some of the self-doubt that had appeared to have gripped the players when competing against Europe's elite.

However, it looks increasingly likely that Pellegrini's side will be taking a step backwards this season.

Quite what those in Abu Dhabi make of City's failings in Europe remains a mystery, but it's unlikely they have been impressed with what they've seen.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

It's difficult to pinpoint quite what the problem is. City, on paper, have one of the most talented squads in the competition, with quality and depth in almost every department. However, they appear nervous and lacking in belief whenever they play Champions League football.

Against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, City fell behind after just 96 seconds, and despite equalising through a superb Yaya Toure free-kick, the Russians managed their first win on English soil. It was one of the worst performances from a City side since the dying embers of Mark Hughes' disastrous time in charge.

Yes, the incompetence shown by referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos—who should have sent off Pontus Wernbloom in the 76th minute after he fouled Sergio Aguero but instead booked the wrong player—is a reason to feel aggrieved, but City cannot hide behind poor refereeing decisions.

Their play was disjointed and insipid, remarkable given the importance of the match. Pellegrini was left scratching his head after watching his star-studded side falter to inferior opposition.

"It is difficult to understand why we played so low a performance," he said. "We have just played a good game here against Manchester United. We have all our chances to win here at home and play a normal way, but when you give two easy goals in the first half and you really don't play with the ball, it is very difficult to win."

Pellegrini is highly regarded by the club's directors, and his position is secure after a wonderful debut season that saw his side win two major trophies and play some superb football, but the regression his side have shown in the Champions League this season will be a huge worry for the Chilean.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Commendably, he refused to dodge the issue or hide behind the officiating, instead focusing on his players' failings.

"I don't want to analyse the referee's decision," he said in his post-match press conference.

"He referees the game and must decide if they are red cards or they are not red card or if it is a penalty or if it is not a penalty. It is more important for me to analyse why we are not playing in the way we always work."

Remarkably, though, City still harbour qualification hopes. They are currently bottom with two points, but Bayern Munich's dominance means both Roma and CSKA remain just two points clear of City with two games remaining.

The picture is a complicated one, with City needing a win over Bayern in their next match and a draw in the game between Moscow and Roma in Russia to keep their qualification hopes alive going into Matchday 6. It seems highly unlikely, but Pellegrini won't give in until it's a mathematical impossibility.

One win in five games is an alarming run of poor form, and City need to bounce back quickly, starting on Saturday away at QPR.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.