Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott give their verdict on Pep Guardiola’s future and Man City’s title chances after a sixth defeat in eight Premier League games
Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott have provided their verdict on Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City future following his side’s latest setback.
City were beaten 2-1 away by Aston Villa on Saturday and are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
TNT Sports pundits Crouch and Lescott were also asked whether they believe City’s chances of winning a fifth successive Premier League title have now faded.
City have endured a woeful run that has encompassed them losing six of their last eight Premier League games.
At Villa Park the hosts took the lead through Jhon Duran before Morgan Rogers made it 2-0 in the second half.
Although City got a goal back through Phil Foden late on, Guardiola’s side were unable to take anything from the game.
Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott have given their verdict on Pep Guardiola’s Man City future
City fell to another defeat on Saturday as they suffered a 2-1 loss away to Aston Villa
Former City defender Lescott indicated that he doesn’t believe that Guardiola is close to resigning.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Lescott said: ”I don’t think Guardiola is anywhere close to resigning. He’s someone that thrives on a challenge. He will see this as a challenge. I don’t think he’s anywhere close to thinking about resigning.’
Crouch agreed with Lescott that Guardiola will remain at the club.
He said: ‘I think he stays. I think he leaves when he wants to. It’s whether he can turn it around. The man’s a genius. He’s changed the face of football in this country. He’s not had this test anywhere he’s been. He’s one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. You’d expect him to turn it around.’
However, Crouch believes that City will not be able to win the title this season.
He said: ‘I think you have to (write City off in title race). They’re not showing signs of title-winning form.’
Although City have frequently dominated the Premier League in recent years, they now appear much more vulnerable.
Guardiola’s team look devoid of confidence and are fragile defensively while they are also lacking their usual ruthlessness in attack.
Lescott and Crouch believe that Guardiola won’t resign despite City’s current struggles
Last month Guardiola signed a contract extension, which is set to run until the summer of 2027.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will see out that deal as he faces a significant task in attempting to improve City’s fortunes.
City haven’t won since their 3-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest on December 4.
They will be eager to return to winning ways when they host Everton on Boxing Day.
