I have to solve this, says Guardiola after Manchester City's fourth consecutive defeat | city of manchester
Pep Guardiola said it was up to him to find a solution to Manchester City's malaise after suffering a fourth successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career.
Goals from substitutes João Pedro and Matt O'Riley culminated a magnificent comeback from Brighton after Erling Haaland put City ahead in the first half. Guardiola's team was defeated 2-1 at Bournemouth after being eliminated from EFL Cup at Tottenham and then 4-1 win in the Champions League on Tuesday against Sporting Lisbon.
But despite acknowledging that his injury-hit side needed time to “clear their heads” during the international break, the City boss insisted his team can recover from their latest setback.
“It always happens once in a lifetime, right? There is always a first time,” he said about losing a record that dates back to his first managerial position in Barcelona in 2006.
“We have to change it and win again. We are in the position we are in and I hope that when we get the players back I have no doubt that we will be back. This is my challenge, our challenge, and I would like to face it. I won't step back at all. More than ever I want to do it. So we'll try again. We must clarify our ideas and get the players back to fitness: that is the objective.”
Asked if he felt their run of poor results was a sign that City's era of dominance was coming to an end, Guardiola pointed to the number of injuries his team has after handing his job to 19-year-old defender Jahmai. Simpson-Pusey. first division debut.
“That's what we want: it doesn't end,” he said. “It's what people want because we win a lot, it happens. But I would like to have the entire squad to fight and if someone (beats City) then congratulations. Don't give it away because we're not there.
“I had that feeling that we can't do it every three or four days with the situation we have. The era will surely come (to an end): in the next 55 years, City will not win the Premier League every year. But I would like us to try and if we can play like we did in the first half then we will have a chance.”
Fabian Hürzeler was delighted with the recovery of his team, which finished fourth. “Manchester City is one of the best teams in the world and pep guardiola “He is one of the best coaches,” he said. “That is why it is so important to be happy, be proud and gain self-confidence. But it is also very important to be humble.”
