Pep Guardiola admitted that he’s going through the worst run of his managerial career at Manchester City this season, as their indifferent form continued at the weekend.
Guardiola made a stunning start at the Etihad following his arrival in the summer, winning City’s opening six Premier League games in some style, but their fortunes seemingly turned following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Celtic in the Champions League back in September.
Brendan Rodgers’ men exploited City’s defensive frailties that night, while their unbeaten record came to an end a few days later at White Hart Lane, losing 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. Since then the Citizens have won just three of their last eight Premier League games, suffering back-to-back defeats at the start of December.
Chelsea humbled Guardiola’s men 3-1 at the Etihad last weekend, while their defensive issues came to the fore once more in Saturday’s disastrous 4-2 defeat at Leicester City. With the hectic Christmas period fast approaching, the Catalan boss admitted this is the “first time” in his life that he’s endured such a run of bad form.
“This is the first time in my life I don’t win for so long,” Guardiola said (via the Guardian). “Maybe to get better and win something you have to live this kind of situation. I am the kind of manager who has been critical of his players when they have won, so after such a bad defeat I thought it better to stay out of the dressing room.
“I congratulated my players after the games against Middlesbrough, Everton and Chelsea, because I thought in general we were unlucky. We were the better team but did not win, Leicester was different. Sometimes it is better to leave these situations. I didn’t speak to the team after that game.”
City have scored 32 goals and conceded 19 in their 15 Premier League fixtures this season, with a shot accuracy of 46%, as they sit fourth on 30 points, seven behind leaders Chelsea.
Next up for them is a home clash with Watford this evening, before taking on Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend.
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