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PEP GUARDIOLA is facing his first significant challenge at Manchester City.
The manager at the Etihad has expressed that opponents are “mocking” his struggling Premier League champions.
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City are set to face league leaders, Liverpool, today, after enduring a troubling six-game winless streak.
A defeat would put them 11 points behind Arne Slot’s side.
Guardiola acknowledged: “This is not enjoyable for me at all.
“I have not been sleeping well like I did when we were consistently winning.
“Winning four Premier League titles in a row might be more exceptional. During that time, I felt stable and content, which helped me sleep and eat better.”
At 53 years old, Guardiola noted that the scratches on his head and a cut on his nose were self-inflicted after watching City waste a 3-0 lead in just 14 minutes during Tuesday’s Champions League match against Feyenoord.
This comes in the wake of five losses across all competitions, marking the worst stretch of his managerial career.
He recognizes that his rivals are relishing in City’s current difficulties.
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Guardiola remarked: “As is common in sports, they take the mickey and laugh at your misfortunes.
“At least there’s a level of respect involved. No one is being violent; it’s part of the beautiful game for people to find humor in your struggles when things aren’t going well.
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“But this will pass — I cannot say when, but nothing lasts forever, not even our own existence.
“When faced with this situation, my heart feels heavy, which is quite usual, though perhaps not within these last six matches.”
Guardiola asserted he is making his players “suffer” in a bid to elevate City from their slump — expressing a desire to forge a new successful team.
One motive behind him signing a new two-year contract last month was to realize that vision.
Guardiola concluded: “In due time, both the club — and I, primarily — will make the necessary decisions to secure the club’s long-term success.
“I want to remain here. I asked to stay to pursue this goal.”
