City’s woes are stark, with a Premier League campaign taking a significant hit after three consecutive defeats, culminating in a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Their luck in Europe was no better. In the Champions League, the Citizens squandered a comfortable 3-0 lead to settle for a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, three weeks after losing 4-1 to Sporting CP the previous day. Despite the growing challenges, Guardiola remains steadfast in his determination to solve the problems and lead the team forward.
“I don’t want to run away”Guardiola told reporters. “ I want to be there. I want to rebuild the team in many aspects from now until the end of the season and then try to continue to be at the top next season. Tell me which team in the world ten years from now is consistent for ten years? It doesn’t exist. Not in the NBA, not in tennis, not in golf, not in any other sport. »
“It’s not nice to go through what we’re going through, but what do you expect? Everyone rolling out the red carpet and making everything nice and easy? There will be no complaining, no blaming, no finger pointing and no running away from your responsibilities. I have absolutely everything (this) on my shoulders and I have to find a solution. I have to prove myself now. I try every day. »
Guardiola does not want to flee
Guardiola has won 18 trophies with City since joining in 2016 and recently extended his contract by two years. The 53-year-old knows his phenomenal success rate helped him survive the sack despite his disappointing form, but at an ambitious club like City his lifelines could soon run out.
Although this season has posed some unexpected challenges, Guardiola remains confident in his ability to guide the team to their best level. They are currently eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and their next game at Anfield represents a critical turning point in their season. A defeat on Merseyside would open up an 11-point gap, which could prove to be an insurmountable deficit to overcome in the title race.
