Pep Guardiola has blamed himself for Manchester City's poor form.
The reigning Premier League champions have lost eight of their last 11 games to effectively end their title defence, withdraw from the EFL Cup and come dangerously close to elimination from the Champions League.
But the 53-year-old, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, has said it is up to him to resolve the situation.
“I am responsible. It would be easy for me to say that we lost because of this action, this player or this situation, but football is a team game,” Guardiola said.
“I am completely convinced in what I say, that I am not good enough to find a way for them to feel peace in their body and mind. I really want it. I am here to try and I will too.” try again and again, but that's the reality.
“I knew it would be a tough season, but I didn't expect it to be this tough.”
After recent results, Manchester City are in fifth place in the Premier League and Liverpool are nine points ahead of the leaders after having played a game more.
“Now we don't play for many things, but mainly for the momentum we have,” Guardiola said.
“We obviously need results to improve our mood, but it is getting worse and the reality is this. I am the manager of this club and I have to find a solution. And so far I have not found it.” This is the truth.”
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
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery, meanwhile, has the task of sorting out their own sticky spell after losing four of their last seven Premier League matches.
“We are building the team and trying to be competitive and consistent,” he said.
Despite their poor performance, the Spaniard described the continued competition between strikers Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran – who scored three on three – as 'perfect'.
“PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aston Villa-Jhon Duran
Duran has scored 11 goals in 24 games in all competitions for Aston Villa this season, despite only starting five of those games.
The Colombian has scored in all five games he has started, while he comes into this by scoring in three consecutive games in all competitions.
Manchester City-Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol has scored more goals (four) than any other defender in the Premier League this season after scoring his fourth goal against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Croatian is Manchester City's second highest goalscorer behind Erling Haaland (13), while he has also had the third most shots into the penalty area (13) in the squad.
MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER CITY WIN
Aston Villa came into this having lost four of their last seven Premier League games (W2 D1), with their only two wins in eight coming at home against the Premier League's two worst traveling clubs, Southampton and Brentford, who are bottom of the table. ranking.
Unai Emery's side have also conceded 25 goals in the Premier League this season, from an xG conceded of 19.5, which is 5.5 goals more than expected. Only Wolves (40 goals conceded, 27.6 xGA) have a worse difference this season (-12.4).
While Manchester City are in a difficult run of form, having lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions, they have won 11 of their last 13 meetings against Aston Villa.
City have also had more shots (282) than any other side in the Premier League this season.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Aston Villa – 28.3%
Draw – 24.3%
Manchester City – 47.4%
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