Pep Guardiola suggested: “I'm not good enough” after Manchester City saw their derby victory snatched from under their noses by Manchester United.
Guardiola watched on as his side suffered a late defeat to their Manchester rivals, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo striking in the final two minutes to cancel out Josko Gvardiol's earlier header.
City have lost just four of 105 Premier League home games in which they were ahead at half-time under the Spaniard, half of which were against United.
The result leaves the Citizens fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, while the defeat is their eighth in their last 11 games in all competitions.
And Guardiola, who saw his side record an expected goals total (xG) of just 0.91 from their ten shots, believes he is not the right man to lead City through their recent slump.
“There's not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We haven't lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player,” he said.
“We have given away goals, it is our fault. We are not playing with composure. The results are not good. The match was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand it, but the reality is this.”
“They have to know that these kinds of situations happen. You have to be careful in the box. It's not about Matheus [Nunes]he played very well in a not his usual position as a full-back.
“But that's not the point, we have to play better. The way I learn is to keep going. I'm not good enough. I'm the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and so far I have done that.” t. That's the reality.
“We want to play better, create chances. But at the moment that is not possible.”
88 – Manchester City led until the 88th minute against Manchester United, but ultimately lost 2-1 – the latest in a match that a reigning Premier League champion has led and lost. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/9vwTcocgLw
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2024
City take on Aston Villa in their next top-flight fixture, with games against Everton and Leicester City in December.
Guardiola acknowledged his side's recent form and suggested their current crisis is becoming increasingly desperate with each defeat.
“This year, unfortunately, it's happened a lot. We've given away a lot of things. We're not nice in the way we played,” he continued.
“It used to be so fluid. Now we are struggling for different reasons. Lots of defeats. We put everything into it and the match was almost over.
“They had more possession in the first half, but nothing special. We gave away two goals. It's very difficult.”
“It is what it is. What can I say? We can't blame this player or that one, that's not it. It's the season, a difficult season.”
“We have to move on and try to find the solution and win games. At the moment we need results to improve our mood. It's getting worse.”
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