Pep Guardiola Takes Responsibility for Manchester City’s Struggles Amid Unprecedented Slump

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shouldered the blame for his team’s shocking run of form this season, marking one of the most challenging periods of his illustrious managerial career. The reigning Premier League champions have suffered nine defeats in their last 13 matches across all competitions, a dramatic slump that has left them 14 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

City’s struggles have raised questions about the team’s fitness, an ageing squad, and the potential effects of sustained dominance over recent years. However, Guardiola, who has overseen City’s six Premier League titles in seven seasons and won 18 trophies during his nine-year reign at the Etihad, insists the responsibility lies solely with him.

“There are many, many things involved in being a manager, and I missed something—something I am not doing well,” Guardiola admitted. “When you lose a lot of games, it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take. There’s something the team needs, confidence, and I was not able to provide it. The call is on me first—it’s not the players.”

A Self-Critical Assessment

Guardiola rejected the notion of blaming injuries or external factors for City’s struggles. Despite key players like Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri being sidelined at times, Guardiola maintained that his role was to adapt and find solutions.

“We were the only unbeaten team in Europe and top of the league [earlier in the season], but immediately we went down—for injuries and many other reasons we’ve discussed. Even with that, I should have found a way to get better results,” Guardiola said.

He was equally candid about his inability to motivate his players effectively. “I lead that group of players, and I could not lift them. This is the reality. I blame myself—it’s not about making excuses or trying to sound self-critical for praise. It’s simply the truth,” he added.

A Turning Point at Leicester?

City’s recent 2-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium offered a glimmer of hope, but Guardiola remained cautious about the significance of one result. He acknowledged that the team’s performance wasn’t their best but recognized the psychological boost it provided.

“We know our level right now is not the same as in the last eight years. I’m not going to pretend one result will change everything, but it can give us more belief and composure,” Guardiola explained. “Sometimes, you just need a change—a lift—to recover your confidence and focus. That’s why the victory at Leicester was so important.”

The Road Ahead

As City prepare to face West Ham at home, Guardiola emphasized the importance of building momentum. The champions have yet to secure back-to-back wins since October, an unfamiliar position for a team synonymous with dominance.

While acknowledging the uphill battle, Guardiola expressed faith in his players and their ability to bounce back. “The team naturally drops a bit after years of dominating, but it’s my job to prevent that. This season, I haven’t done it well enough, but we have to keep pushing and striving for improvement,” he said.

A Rare Setback in a Glittering Career

Guardiola’s current challenges at City stand out in a managerial career marked by unprecedented success, including trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Yet, the Spaniard remains resolute, viewing the slump as an opportunity to grow as a leader.

Manchester City’s faithful will hope their manager’s self-reflection and determination spark a resurgence, with the season still holding opportunities for silverware. However, the road ahead will require rediscovering the consistency and intensity that have defined the Guardiola era at the Etihad.

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Featured Image Credit: X / @PepTeam, Pexels / Mylo Kaye