City’s lat minutes collapse to rival Man United has resulted in an enlightening Guardiola self-evaluation. But what this realisation will gain the four consecutive times Premier League winner is a question blowing in the wind.
Pep Guardiola was blunt in his self-evaluation after Manchester City’s latest humiliating defeat. A 2-1 loss to local rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday left Guardiola searching for answers.
“We lost eight out of 11,” Guardiola said. “Something wrong is happening. What can I say? The schedule is tough, the injured players? No.”
City were heading for a crucial win. Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header gave them the lead. But a late collapse saw City blow the game in devastating fashion. Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes struck late to earn United the win.
Guardiola, clearly frustrated, admitted his role in the crisis. “I’m the boss, I’m the manager. I’m not good enough. It’s as simple as that,” he added.
Manchester City have won just once in their last 11 matches in all competitions. In that stretch, they have suffered eight defeats, a shocking decline after winning four consecutive Premier League titles.
City now trail Liverpool by nine points. The Reds have a game in hand, making the title chase feel nearly over before Christmas. City’s struggles have pushed them outside the top four. They are currently in fifth, out of Champions League places.
“I knew it would be a tough season,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the early challenges. “But I didn’t expect it would be so hard, like it is right now.”
Late collapse leads to Guardiola self-evaluation
The loss to United was particularly painful. City had a firm grip on the game after Gvardiol’s header. However, a catastrophic error from Matheus Nunes gifted United a penalty in the 88th minute. Fernandes scored from the spot to level the match.
Just moments later, Diallo capitalized on a long ball, racing clear to score the winner. It was a gut-wrenching turnaround for Guardiola and his players.
“It’s hard to accept,” Guardiola admitted. “We are better than this. But we couldn’t hold on.”
City fans were stunned by the latest defeat. Many have voiced concerns on social media, questioning Guardiola’s tactics and City’s lack of resilience.
“I’ve never seen City like this under Guardiola,” one fan tweeted. “What happened to the team that dominated England for years?”
Others were more supportive, acknowledging Guardiola’s honesty and past success. “He’s the best manager we’ve ever had. He’ll find a way out,” another fan wrote.
It’s baffling
Football analysts are equally baffled by City’s form. Many believe that injuries, squad rotation, and tactical issues are contributing to their fall from grace.
“City don’t look like the same team,” said former footballer Jamie Redknapp. “They lack the intensity and dominance that defined their previous seasons. Guardiola’s self-evaluation is spot-on, but he needs to fix it fast.”
The road ahead looks difficult for Manchester City. Guardiola faces the challenge of turning things around quickly if they are to salvage their season. With Liverpool running away at the top and the Champions League places under threat, analysts say time is running out.
But Guardiola’s self-awareness is a small silver lining. His admission of fault shows a level of accountability that could help guide the team through their current crisis.
“I am the boss, and I will find a solution,” Guardiola vowed. But the question remains—will that solution come soon enough?
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