It has been a hell of a ride for Pep Guardiola and his team
Image credit: ESPN FC
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently opened up about the challenges he is facing amid his team’s worst run of results during his managerial career.
Speaking candidly in an interview with former Italy international Luca Toni for Amazon Prime Sport as reported by BBC Sports, Guardiola revealed the toll this downturn has taken on him personally, while also addressing key issues on and off the pitch.
A Strain on Mind and Body
City has won just one of their last ten games, leaving them at risk of missing out on even a Champions League play-off spot.
Pep Guardiola has lost five matches in a row for the first time in his managerial career.
Image credit: ESPN FC
Reflecting on the impact of this poor form, Guardiola admitted:
I’m fine. In our jobs, we always want to do our best or the best as possible. When that doesn’t happen, you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well, always that happened.
He further elaborated:
In good moments, I am happier, but when I get to the next game, I am still concerned about what I have to do. There is no human being that makes an activity, and it doesn’t matter how they do.
Guardiola also noted that the team’s defensive frailties have contributed significantly to their struggles, emphasizing the need to “defend better and avoid making mistakes at both ends.”
Lessons from Lisbon
To underline his point, Guardiola referenced City’s 4-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon earlier in their poor run.
Despite dominating the first half, City collapsed, conceding three goals in 11 minutes. Guardiola expressed a desire to replicate their promising first-half performance:
I would like to play the game like we played in Lisbon on Sunday, believe me.
Praise for United’s Progress
Ahead of Sunday’s derby at the Etihad, Guardiola had words of praise for Manchester United under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite United’s mixed results, Guardiola highlighted the signs of improvement:
It’s already there. You see all the patterns, the movements, the runners, and the pace. He will do a good job at United, I’m pretty sure of that.
Condemning Racial Abuse
Off the pitch, Guardiola condemned the racial abuse received by City captain Kyle Walker after their recent match against Juventus. He labeled the abuse as “unacceptable” and extended the club’s full support to Walker.
It’s unacceptable. Not because it’s Kyle – for any human being. Unfortunately, it happens many times in the real world. It is not necessary to say he has the support of the entire club. It is completely unacceptable, and we give our support to him.
Moving Forward
With City in the midst of a crisis, Guardiola’s focus remains on turning things around. The upcoming derby presents an opportunity for redemption, but as Guardiola himself pointed out, success requires consistent effort and attention to detail.
As fans and players rally behind the team, Guardiola’s leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping City’s path forward, both on and off the pitch.