Pep Guardiola admitted he isn’t “good enough” after Manchester City fell to a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. Despite taking an early lead through Josko Gvardiol, City’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of composure allowed United to snatch victory with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
Guardiola’s post-match comments revealed his frustrations with the team’s poor form and his determination to find solutions.
DETAILS:
City’s season continues to unravel, with Sunday’s defeat marking their eighth loss in all competitions this term. Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had given City the advantage, but a penalty from Bruno Fernandes and a stoppage-time winner by Amad Diallo flipped the script, leaving City fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola emphasized that his team is struggling to find the rhythm and composure that once defined their gameplay, attributing these issues to a combination of factors, including injuries, inconsistent performances, and lapses in concentration.
QUOTES:
Guardiola didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis:
On defensive lapses: “No defense, they were incredibly persistent. We gave away goals, our fault. In the box, you have to be careful.”
On his responsibility: “I’m not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions, and so far, I haven’t. That’s the reality.”
On the season’s struggles: “Before it’s so fluid, now we’re struggling for different reasons. We are not at our best, and we struggle a bit. It’s getting worse and worse.”
On player criticism: “It’s not about Matheus [Nunes]. He played really good in not his position. But it’s not about that. We have to play better.”
Guardiola also expressed his desire to support his players through this tough period, adding:
“With these players, I want to be here. I want to stay close to them, not behind, not in front—beside them. That is what I want to do.”
CITATIONS:
This story draws from Guardiola’s post-match interview with Sky Sports, where he addressed City’s performance and current standing. Additional details from the match and team context were compiled from Manchester City’s recent fixtures and Premier League standings.
KEEP IN MIND:
Manchester City’s current form is a significant departure from their usual dominance, marking a period of vulnerability for Guardiola’s squad.
Guardiola remains determined to lead his team back to their best, taking accountability for the challenges they face while emphasizing the need for collective improvement.
With Liverpool pulling ahead in the title race, City’s recovery in the coming weeks will be crucial in defining their season.
The Citizens’ next fixture offers a chance to regain momentum, but as Guardiola said, “We need results to lift our mood.” The pressure is on.
