The Cityzens' change of coach five days before the League Cup final, and just before four meetings with Chelsea, could be more harmful than helpful

There are a lot of convenient times for a club to sack a manager. Of course, between seasons is ideal, with international windows and, if a league is lucky enough to have one, winter breaks next up in the ranking. The week of a cup final, however, certainly wouldn’t make the list. Yet, that’s when Gareth Taylor, head coach of Manchester City‘s women’s team, found out his time at the club was over. On Monday evening, little over 24 hours after he guided the Cityzens into the FA Cup semi-finals and just five days before he was set to lead them out in the League Cup final, his departure was confirmed.

That in itself makes it surprising timing. Zoom out just a little, to factor in three more games, and it becomes even more shocking. City's opponents on Saturday are Chelsea, winners of the last five Women's Super League titles and the team currently eight points clear at the top of the table. City's opponents in their next three fixtures are also Chelsea, as the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final sandwich a meeting in the WSL.

It could not be a more unforgiving return to the club for Nick Cushing, appointed as interim upon Taylor's exit. The 40-year-old spent over six years in charge of the Cityzens, before moving to New York City FC, and delivered their only WSL title to date. But even with the struggles under Taylor and prior success with Cushing, City's decision to make this switch at this moment in time presents incredible risk, the kind of which could actually hinder their chances of success, rather than enhance them.

Getty ImagesSeason of struggle

None of that is to say that the decision to part ways with Taylor in itself is particularly egregious. City have had a poor season. Right now, they're 12 points adrift of top spot in the WSL, and when they next kick a ball in that competition, they could be four points off the European spots. That doesn't sound like a huge gap, but City's recent form, thin squad and tricky run-in, which still includes Chelsea and Manchester United, means their rivals are favoured to claim those top three places ahead of them.

Some of City's struggles have been down to bad luck. After all, they lost Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood to knee surgeries in successive months, with the pre-Christmas absence of star striker Khadija Shaw also overlapping with their woes. Risa Shimizu suffered an ACL injury just two weeks after signing for the club in the summer, at the Olympics with Japan, and Rebecca Knaak sustained a hamstring problem on her senior Germany debut last month, an opportunity she earned after impressing at City following a January move.

But there have to be questions asked of the composition of this squad, which was small even before any injuries were picked up. It was never big enough to compete across four fronts, and that has ultimately proved costly for club and coach. Individual errors, unable to be ironed out by Taylor and at least exacerbated by the playing style, have also dug City into holes they've struggled to get out of.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMore sensible windows

If City had decided to move on from Taylor after the damaging 4-3 loss to Arsenal in early February, there probably would not have been too much fuss. It was that result which essentially put an end to title talk, despite the Cityzens being Chelsea's biggest rival for the trophy before Christmas, and transformed ambitions into a top-three finish. Yes, there was a League Cup semi-final against the same opponent just four days later, but it would have made more sense than this eventual move.

If City had decided to move on from Taylor when the four-game winning streak which followed that defeat was ended by West Ham last Wednesday, as that 1-1 draw that put them even further behind in the race for Champions League football, that would have also made more sense. Again, there were big cup games on the horizon, but none as big as this weekend's final.

And that is to only talk about this season. Taylor has been no stranger to scrutiny during his five years in charge of the team and there have been other moments in his tenure when the pressure has felt high – and a departure more likely. Having just reached an FA Cup semi-final and being about to lead the City out in a League Cup final, with a Champions League quarter-final to come next week, this felt like one of his safer points in comparison, even with things in the league not going so well.

Getty ImagesStrange timing

"Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition," managing director Charlotte O’Neill said of Taylor's departure. "Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard. With six games of the WSL campaign remaining, we believe that a change of management will breathe fresh life into our bid to ensure qualification for the 2025-26 Women’s Champions League."

That statement only adds to the questions around timing. The damaging results which have impacted City's European hopes have been happening for several months. Making a change at this stage, when Chelsea and Manchester United make up two of those remaining six fixtures, is surely too late to alter their fate when it comes to the league table.

GettyFamiliar face

For that not to be the case, City need Cushing to have his magic touch from the get-go. During his previous time in charge, the 40-year-old brought remarkable success, delivering six major honours to a team that only turned professional upon his appointment.

Cushing helped City push Lyon all the way in the semi-finals of both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 editions of the Champions League, right as the French side were beginning their unprecedented run of five successive European titles. That was well before English teams were able to really go toe-to-toe with the eight-time winners and yet, his sides only lost 3-2 and 1-0 on aggregate in those respective campaigns.

With an ability to be pragmatic where necessary, a strong track record of developing young talent and a great rapport among players – amid ongoing speculation of a fall-out between Taylor and Chloe Kelly as well as a cryptic social media post from Ellie Roebuck, who also spoke of a relationship breakdown with the coach before her move to Barcelona – Cushing ticked many boxes back then and does again now. Albeit, it does all come with a few caveats as he returns.