Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is “not good enough” to solve the Premier League club’s mounting problems after two late Manchester United goals consigned them to a dramatic 2-1 derby loss at the Etihad Stadium.
City unravelled spectacularly at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Amad Diallo struck a 90th-minute winner for the visitors just moments after Bruno Fernandes had levelled from the penalty spot.
City have won just once in 11 games in all competitions, a run that includes eight defeats.
After an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles, City’s defence of their crown looks over before Christmas.
Guardiola’s men trail leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, by nine points and sit outside the Champions League places in fifth.
Speaking after Sunday’s game, Guardiola said: “I don’t have defence. I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions but I don’t find solutions,” he said in his press conference.
Southampton sack coach Russell Martin after 5-0 defeat to Tottenham
“This is a big club, when you lose eight out of 11, something wrong is happening. What can I say? The schedule is tough, the injured players? 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 signed a new two-year contract in November, saying he did not feel he could leave the club at a difficult time, but the crisis has spiralled since then and he is now facing questions over how and when he can reverse their fortunes.
The former Barcelona manager added: “I’m here. I’m responsible. It would be easy for me to say we lost because of this action or this player or this situation but football is a team game.
“I’m completely convinced in what I’m saying, that I’m not good enough to find a way for them to feel peace in their bodies and their minds. I want it desperately. I’m here to try and I will try again and again but that is the reality.
“I knew it would be a tough season but I didn’t expect so hard.”
- 15-year-old girl kills student, teacher in U.S. school shooting - December 17, 2024
- Varsity hospital generates N1.6bn revenue in 10 months - December 17, 2024
- Investors gain N331bn at stock market - December 17, 2024
