Manager Admits to Not Being “Good Enough” as City Face Unprecedented Crisis
Pep Guardiola has publicly shouldered the blame for Manchester City‘s alarming slump in form, admitting that he is “not good enough” to lift the team out of its current crisis. The reigning Premier League champions were stunned by a late turnaround in Sunday’s Manchester Derby, where Manchester United came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The defeat, City’s eighth in their last 11 matches across all competitions, leaves the team with a mountain to climb in the Premier League. Guardiola, who signed a contract extension with the club in November, has now spoken candidly about the challenges he faces in trying to turn things around.
Manchester City Stumbles Again in Manchester Derby
Things looked promising for City early in the derby, with Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, United were a completely different side after the break. Bruno Fernandes equalized with a well-taken penalty, and Amad Diallo’s dramatic late goal completed the turnaround, handing City yet another defeat.
This loss marks the latest setback in a period of miserable results for City. In their last 11 matches, Guardiola’s men have only managed three wins, which has raised concerns about their form and their ability to defend their Premier League title. City have now taken just four points from their last five league matches, making it increasingly unlikely that they will secure a historic fifth straight league title.
Guardiola Takes Full Responsibility for City’s Struggles
In the aftermath of the derby, Guardiola did not shy away from taking responsibility for the team’s poor run of results. The Catalan manager, who is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, has faced growing scrutiny over his tactics and decisions this season. Speaking to the media, Guardiola was blunt and self-critical.
“I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions, but I don’t find solutions,” Guardiola admitted. “This is a big club and when you lose eight out of 11 games, something is wrong. You can say the schedule is tough or the injuries to players, but no. I’m the manager, and I’m not good enough. Simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press. I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth.”
Guardiola’s admission that he hasn’t been able to provide the answers to turn City’s fortunes around is a rare moment of vulnerability from a manager who has enjoyed so much success at the club since his arrival in 2016. The defeat to United now leaves City with serious questions to answer.
Manchester City’s Decline: From Title Contenders to Fifth Place
After a season in which they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, expectations were high for Manchester City in 2024/25. However, the team’s form has drastically fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, with a series of disappointing defeats that have undermined their challenge for silverware.
As it stands, City find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by nine points at the top. Their challenge for a fifth consecutive title looks increasingly remote, as they are also a point behind a surprise package in Nottingham Forest and seven points adrift of Chelsea, who sit in second.
While it’s still early in the season, the gap between City and the leaders is growing, and Guardiola’s side will need a drastic turnaround to remain in the race for the title.
Injuries and Scheduling Disruptions Not the Main Cause
Guardiola acknowledged that the schedule has been demanding, and injuries have undoubtedly played a part in City’s struggles. However, the manager was clear in stating that these factors alone cannot explain the team’s decline. Instead, he pointed to his own shortcomings as the primary reason for City’s woes.
“It’s not about injuries or the schedule,” he said. “I am the manager, and it’s my job to solve these problems. If I can’t, then it’s on me.”
City fans will be hoping that Guardiola can find the solutions needed to arrest the team’s slide. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for the club, with the manager under increasing pressure to deliver results.
A Long Road Ahead for Guardiola and Manchester City
Guardiola’s honesty is undoubtedly refreshing, but it also places him under even more scrutiny. The manager has set the bar high for himself and for his team, and with his recent admission of underperformance, the pressure is on him to turn things around quickly.
Despite the current crisis, Guardiola’s track record at Manchester City remains exemplary, having won multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups, as well as delivering the club’s long-awaited Champions League triumph. But now, with City struggling domestically and facing challenges in both the league and cup competitions, the question remains: Can Guardiola rediscover the magic that made Manchester City one of Europe’s most feared teams?
As the season unfolds, Guardiola’s leadership and tactical acumen will be tested like never before. How he responds to this crisis could define not only this season but also his legacy at the club.
