Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes to secure a win against Feyenoord on Tuesday after a series of five consecutive defeats. The Spaniard, who extended his contract last week, is confident that The Citizens can put an end to their losing streak.
Pep Guardiola is navigating through one of the toughest phases of his managerial career, having suffered an unprecedented fifth consecutive defeat with Manchester City.
The latest setback came against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, a result that has put the normally dominant City side under scrutiny. Despite this challenging period, Guardiola remains steadfast in his philosophy, refusing to overhaul his approach. Speaking candidly at a press conference, he emphasized the importance of sticking to the team’s principles. "We need to change as little as possible and return to the principles we stand for. We must not retreat, even though our usual central defenders and Rodri are currently unavailable," he stated, projecting calm amidst the storm.
Guardiola highlighted the injury crisis that has plagued City’s defense and midfield as a key factor in their struggles. "We have many injuries in defense, and in midfield, our best attacking link, Ilkay Gündogan, has to play as a defensive midfielder," he explained. This reshuffling has disrupted City’s usual balance, but Guardiola insists the team is still creating opportunities. "We are still creating enough chances, so we can’t let our heads drop. Fortunately, we have Erling Haaland. He gets three to four chances every game, and on some days, he converts two or three of them." Haaland’s presence offers a silver lining for City, with the Norwegian striker maintaining his prolific form even during the team’s rough patch.
Despite the pressure, Guardiola remains composed and introspective about the situation. "But name me one team in the world that doesn’t lose," he remarked, putting City’s struggles into perspective. Reflecting on his own reactions, he admitted to moments of frustration. "Sometimes I yell during a game, and then the next morning over a cup of coffee, I think: why do I do that? Stay calm. In the end, you can replace one or two key players, but not four or five." His acknowledgment of the limitations imposed by injuries and squad depth highlights the challenges of sustaining success at the highest level.
Looking ahead, City faces a crucial Champions League match against Feyenoord, a game Guardiola expects to be difficult. "It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against at the moment: given our situation, it’s going to be a tough evening," he said. Guardiola also shared his admiration for Dutch football and its influence on the game, particularly through the philosophy of Johan Cruijff. "The Dutch football philosophy has influenced English football, and I have great respect for Johan Cruijff. However, England remains the cradle of football. That’s why so many people want to work here. Otherwise, we’d all want to be in the Netherlands right now," he added with a smile, showing his characteristic humor even in trying times.
Beyond Feyenoord, City faces an even sterner test in the Premier League with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Scheduled just five days after the Champions League clash, the match against Liverpool will be a significant moment in City’s season. Guardiola is well aware of the form of Liverpool under Arne Slot, the former Feyenoord coach. "Slot is doing an excellent job. The results speak for themselves. He’s showing the qualities he has as a manager," Guardiola commented, acknowledging the tactical acumen of his upcoming opponent.
The current challenges have tested Guardiola’s resolve, but his focus on long-term principles rather than short-term fixes underscores his belief in the team’s ability to rebound. The five-match losing streak has brought City’s vulnerabilities to light, yet Guardiola’s calm demeanor and trust in his players could be the key to turning their fortunes around. Both the match against Feyenoord and the showdown at Anfield offer opportunities for City to reestablish their dominance, but they also pose significant risks if the team fails to rise to the occasion.
As Guardiola navigates these turbulent weeks, his reflections on football’s unpredictability and his respect for figures like Cruijff and Slot demonstrate his broader perspective on the game. Whether City can overcome their current difficulties remains to be seen, but under Guardiola’s guidance, they will undoubtedly aim to stay true to the style and philosophy that have brought them so much success.
