Pep Guardiola Admits He’s “Not Good Enough” as Manchester City’s Struggles Continue
It was a night to forget for Manchester City fans as their team suffered a crushing 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United in a dramatic derby at the Etihad. The loss marked City’s eighth defeat in their last 11 games, leaving the reigning Premier League champions in a full-blown crisis. And in a moment of raw honesty, manager Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back, admitting, “I’m not good enough.”
Guardiola’s comments came after a stunning late comeback by United, who scored twice in the dying moments of the game. A Bruno Fernandes penalty and an Amad Diallo winner sealed the deal for the Red Devils, leaving City players and fans alike in shock. The defeat not only stung because of the rivalry but also because it highlighted just how far City have fallen this season.
“Youth-Team Defending” and “Under-15s” Performance
City’s players didn’t mince words when reflecting on their performance. Midfielder Phil Foden was brutally honest, describing the team’s defensive lapses as “youth-team defending.” Speaking to the BBC, Foden said, “It seems to be the story at the moment. I don’t know what happens, but we switch off and they score two goals.”
Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva took the criticism a step further, comparing City’s play to that of an under-15 team. “We deserved what happened,” Silva told Sky Sports. “At this level, a game or two is unlucky. We can’t say this is lucky or unlucky—10 games, it’s not about that. It’s the decisions you make. Today in the last minute, we played like under-15s.”
Guardiola Takes Full Responsibility
For Guardiola, the buck stops with him. Despite signing a two-year contract extension just last month, the City boss didn’t shy away from taking the blame for his team’s poor form. “I’m the boss, I’m the manager, and I’m not good enough,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. “I have to find a solution, it’s as simple as that. I’m not doing well, that’s the truth.”
He continued, “It is what it is. What can I say? We cannot blame this player or that one, it’s not that. It’s the season, a tough season. We didn’t play our best. We are not our best, and we struggle a bit. This is 8 in 11 now, it is not normal, something is not right. It’s getting worse and worse. I have to find the solution. So far, I didn’t find it.”
City’s Worst Run Since 2003
To put things into perspective, this is Manchester City’s worst run of results since 2003, when the team managed just one win in 18 games. The loss to United also saw City drop to fifth place in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer. For a team that has dominated English football in recent years, this slump is nothing short of shocking.
What’s Next for City?
With their title defense in tatters, City now face a crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa. It’s a must-win game for Guardiola’s side if they hope to salvage their season and regain some momentum. But with confidence at an all-time low and senior players openly questioning the team’s performances, the road ahead looks anything but easy.
Key Takeaways from City’s Crisis
- Guardiola’s Accountability: The manager has taken full responsibility for the team’s struggles, admitting he hasn’t found the solution to their problems.
- Player Frustration: Comments from Foden and Silva highlight the growing frustration within the squad over their repeated defensive lapses.
- Historical Context: This is City’s worst run of form in over two decades, a stark contrast to their recent dominance in English football.
- Premier League Standings: City are now fifth in the table, nine points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Guardiola and his players to see if they can turn things around. For now, though, the reigning champions look anything but invincible.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
