Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted it “maybe” the year where “another team” wins the Premier League.
The Cityzens lost their fourth match in succession against Brighton on Saturday evening and, speaking to the BBC after the final whistle, Guardiola said there are big issues that he needs to address:
“We have to try and win games again. Four [defeats] in a row. We have to change things quick. The schedule becomes tough but it [winning games] is going to happen when the players come back. Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserve it.”
It is the first time in 18 years that City have lost four on the bounce, while Guardiola has never lost that many games in a row during his managerial career.
Injuries are taking their toll on the team
Although there are actually only 6 players on the treatment table, it should be pointed out that the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker are being asked to play even though they are not 100% fit.
The international break may be coming at the right time, allowing some of these players to get over their injuries. Of course, there are other problems that need to be rectified too.
For example, it is notable that performances dropped off alarmingly in the second half versus Sporting Lisbon and Brighton. That is something Guardiola can correct on the training pitch.
Critics should not be so quick to write off City
It should not be forgotten that Guardiola’s men managed to win the title despite being eight points adrift of Arsenal with 10 games to go two years ago.
They are only five behind top-of-the-table Liverpool at the moment and we are only 11 matches into the campaign. A lot can still happen between now and May.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
