Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has candidly acknowledged his subpar performance this season, labeling it as “really poor” amid the club’s struggles to maintain their Premier League dominance.
Man City Boss Guardiola Frustrated with Season: “It’s Been Poor”
Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has led the team to six Premier League titles. However, this season, they find themselves fifth in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 22 points.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Guardiola admitted, “There are many, many things [involved in being a manager] and I missed something—something I am not doing well.”
He added, “In the end, when you lose a lot of games, it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take.”
Despite their domestic struggles, City have an opportunity to secure silverware in the FA Cup. They are set to face Bournemouth in the quarter-finals, a team that previously ended City’s unbeaten streak.
Guardiola hopes for success but acknowledges that even winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League will not compensate for what he regards as a disappointing domestic campaign.
Injuries have further compounded City’s challenges. Key players such as Ederson, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne have faced fitness issues, raising concerns about the team’s ability to compete across multiple competitions.
Guardiola has emphasized the need for more robust players next season, potentially signaling changes in the squad.
Looking ahead, City are set to participate in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, with potential prize money of around £100 million.
However, Guardiola has expressed that neither he nor his players deserve bonuses this season, even if they win the tournament, due to their lackluster domestic performance.
He remarked that the team’s efforts this season don’t merit additional rewards, not even souvenir watches.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains committed to turning the tide. He stated, “I will try, I will keep going. I will not give up. I want to be here.
I want to do it and, with the situation that we have, we have to do it.”
As the season progresses, Guardiola’s acknowledgment of his own shortcomings and his determination to rectify them will be crucial in guiding Manchester City back to their accustomed heights.
