Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City are unlikely to win the Premier League title this season, despite securing a much-needed 2-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday.
City, who have won six of the last seven league titles, now sit fifth in the table, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool. The victory marked only their second win in 10 Premier League games, a run that has left the defending champions struggling to keep pace.
‘No Chance of Winning the League’
Speaking after the match, Guardiola told BBC’s Match of the Day:
“We are far away from winning the Premier League. We accept there’s already no chance of that, but we have other things to fight for: FA Cup, top four… and winning games helps.”
The win over Leicester ended a five-game winless run for City, a stretch that Guardiola described as “relief.” He added:
“We have done incredible things and now we struggle to win games, so now it’s just relief.”
Injuries and January Transfers
Guardiola cited injuries as a key reason for City’s struggles and hinted at a busy January transfer window to bolster the squad:
“In some positions we need help. When we’re all together, we’re the team we were, but with important players out for weeks and months, it’s so difficult.”
Injury Woes
City have been severely impacted by injuries to key players, including:
- Rodri: Out for the season with a knee injury.
- Ruben Dias, John Stones, Ederson, Oscar Bobb, and Matheus Nunes: Missed the Leicester game.
Guardiola emphasized the need for reinforcements in central defense and midfield:
“I thought central defenders would be fit all season, but we have struggled. Holding midfield and central defense are areas where we need help.”
Performance Concerns
Despite the win, City’s performance at the King Power Stadium raised questions about their intensity and energy levels:
- For the first time this season, City had less possession than their opponents (46.4%).
- They regained possession in the final third just twice, compared to their 7.5 average per game last season.
Guardiola admitted the team is not at its best:
“It was not the ideal performance, but hopefully the victories will give our mood a better position. We didn’t have enough energy to sustain 90 minutes.”
Gary Neville’s Take
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville commented on City’s struggles, saying:
“They got the win and the clean sheet, but it has been a struggle for them. Watching them today, it is still unusual—you’re not getting carried away.”
City’s Challenges Ahead
With City now focusing on securing a top-four finish and success in the FA Cup, January could be pivotal in revitalizing their season. Guardiola remains hopeful that new signings and the return of injured players can help City bounce back.
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