The reigning English champions ensured that, despite their nightmare run over the past two months, they ended 2024 on a high note by beating Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday thanks to goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland . It was the club’s second victory in their last 14 outings in all competitions.
Despite finally getting back to winning ways, manager Guardiola admitted his side cannot win the Premier League again this season as he suggested his players were unable to compete for the full 90 minutes . He also claimed that the defeat in the Manchester derby had broken the team mentally.
Interviewed on BBC Match of the Day after the match, the former FC Barcelona coach said: “So many days without winning even though we are used to it. It’s a relief. The performance was not at our best, Leicester were good. Happy with the result for the players, with their commitment to being here.
“We can’t last 90 minutes, today we proved it again. Commitment and physicality. Let’s clear our minds now by getting results. We are far from winning the Premier League. We accept that there is already no chance, but we have other things to fight for. The FA Cup, the top 4 and the victories help us. »
United killed City
He added: “They were better than us in the second half. We cannot maintain the aggression and the pressing. We simply can’t right now. It’s just one match. The match against Manchester United hurt us a lot in terms of confidence.
“This match killed us. This match was a mental battle, then there were difficult matches against Aston Villa and Everton. That’s how it is, we have to look for victory and that’s life. Most of the players proved once again that they are ready to fight. »
