Pep Guardiola is determined to end Manchester City’s five-match losing streak and take responsibility for improving the team’s performance. The latest setback, a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium, marked the third consecutive loss in the Premier League. City has also faced defeats in the Champions League against Sporting and in the Carabao Cup against the same Tottenham side. As a result, the club finds itself eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, a gap they will aim to narrow when they face them next weekend.
Guardiola, however, is resolute in his commitment to turning things around. He acknowledged the need for change, saying, “I have to find a way.” He emphasized that it is his responsibility to help the team become more consistent and to secure victories. Despite the current struggles, he remains confident that he will find a way to improve the team’s fortunes, particularly in terms of performance and results.
The team’s defensive fragility has been one of the most notable issues during this run of defeats. With key defenders like John Stones and Rúben Dias sidelined due to injuries, the team has struggled to maintain a solid defensive unit. Additionally, midfielders like Rodri and Mateo Kovacic have been missing, further disrupting the balance of the team. Guardiola has been forced to adapt to these absences, recognizing that their absence impacts the overall control the team has over games. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that once the squad is fully fit, the team will regain its strength, especially in defense.
Erling Haaland’s form has been a bright spot, with the striker scoring 15 goals in 16 appearances this season. However, Guardiola pointed out that City’s other attacking players, such as Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, have also had clear chances in matches, but have not been able to convert them. He admitted that despite creating numerous opportunities, the team has been unable to capitalize, which has added to their struggles. Guardiola noted that while Haaland remains the primary goal-scoring target, the team needs more players to contribute to the scoring to ease the burden on the Norwegian forward.
The lack of solid defensive play and inconsistent attacking has contributed to City’s current difficulties. Guardiola has emphasized that both aspects need to improve for the team to return to its previous level of success. He added that while the squad is not at its best right now, it is still a very talented group of players. Guardiola remains confident in his players, stating that he trusts them more than ever. He believes that the desire to succeed is still strong within the squad, and that their determination to improve will lead to better performances in the future.
Captain Kyle Walker echoed Guardiola’s sentiments, insisting that the team has not lost confidence despite their recent poor form. Walker emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against Feyenoord, hoping that a win in that fixture will help the team regain their rhythm and momentum. He pointed out that while the team is going through a tough period, they have the character and ability to bounce back. The players, he said, are working hard and doing everything they can to turn things around.
The defender also expressed frustration at the team’s current plight, admitting that they are struggling to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong during their losing run. He suggested that sometimes, football requires a bit of luck, something that has been lacking for City in recent matches. However, he made it clear that the team cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves. Instead, they must dig deep, continue to fight, and look forward to the next match.
Walker acknowledged that the current losing streak is an anomaly for a team that has been successful for so many seasons under Guardiola. For the experienced players, it’s a period of adversity that they are unaccustomed to, and it’s a time to demonstrate their resilience. He is confident that the team’s character will ultimately help them overcome this difficult stretch and return to winning ways.
Guardiola’s focus now is on finding a way to rebuild and stabilize the team, both defensively and offensively. While the injuries and absences have undoubtedly had an impact, the team’s underlying quality remains, and Guardiola is determined to find the right balance to turn their fortunes around. The manager’s responsibility, as he sees it, is to guide the team through this challenging period and restore Manchester City to its rightful place at the top of English football.
