Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott have given their verdict on Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City following his side's latest setback.
City were defeated 2-1 by Aston Villa on Saturday and are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
TNT Sports experts Crouch and Lescott were also asked whether they think City's chances of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title have now faded.
City have had a dismal period, losing six of their last eight Premier League games.
At Villa Park, the hosts took the lead through Jhon Duran before Morgan Rogers made it 2-0 in the second half.
Although City got a goal back through Phil Foden late in the match, Guardiola's side could get nothing out of the game.
Former City defender Lescott has said he does not believe Guardiola is about to resign.
Lescott told TNT Sports: 'I don't think Guardiola is even close to resigning. He is someone who likes a challenge. He will see this as a challenge. I don't think he's even remotely thinking about resigning.'
Crouch agreed with Lescott that Guardiola will remain at the club.
He said: 'I think he'll stay. I think he leaves when he wants. What matters is whether he can turn it around. The man is a genius. He changed the face of football in this country. He has not had this test anywhere he has been. He's one of the biggest we've ever seen. You'd expect him to turn it around.'
However, Crouch believes City will not be able to win the title this season.
He said: 'I think you have to write City off in the title race). They're showing no signs of title-winning form.'
Although City have regularly dominated the Premier League in recent years, they now appear much more vulnerable.
Guardiola's team seems bereft of confidence and vulnerable defensively, while also lacking the usual ruthlessness in attack.
Guardiola signed a contract extension last month, lasting until the summer of 2027.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will pull off that deal as he faces an important task in an attempt to improve City's fortunes.
City have not won since their 3-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest on December 4.
They will be keen to return to winning ways when they host Everton on Boxing Day.
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