Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for Manchester City’s recent poor form, admitting that he must shoulder the blame for the team’s struggles this season. With only two wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions, City find themselves in sixth place, 14 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Guardiola acknowledged that his team’s lack of consistency is partly due to his own inability to lift them to the required standard.
Reflecting on the situation, Guardiola emphasized that the issue is not with the players but with his leadership. He stated that while players naturally experience a dip in form over time, it is his job as manager to ensure the team maintains its performance levels. Despite the team’s difficulties, Guardiola expressed confidence that they could turn things around and hoped the win over Leicester would be the start of a positive run.
One of the significant challenges facing Guardiola is an ongoing injury crisis that has left several key players sidelined. For the upcoming match against West Ham, City will be without Rodri, Rúben Dias, John Stones, Matheus Nunes, and Oscar Bobb. However, there is some hope as goalkeeper Ederson could return after missing the last three matches due to a leg injury. Despite these setbacks, Guardiola remains focused on finding a way to restore the team’s form.
City’s victory over Leicester, although crucial, was not without its concerns. Guardiola admitted that his side was fortunate to come away with the win and noted that they need to recover their usual rhythm and quality of play. He acknowledged that while the team showed spirit and determination, the level of performance was not up to the standard that has seen them win four consecutive Premier League titles. Guardiola is determined to find a solution to the team’s struggles and believes that a shift in mindset is needed to get back to winning ways.
With West Ham visiting the Etihad Stadium next, City will be hoping to secure consecutive victories for the first time since late October. The pressure is on Guardiola to guide his team back to form and revive their chances of retaining the Premier League title.
