sportskeeda
PEP GUARDIOLA is currently facing difficulties due to Manchester City’s recent string of losses.
The Catalan manager has admitted that such a slump can affect multiple areas of his life, including his sleep and diet.
5
5
Lately, he has taken to consuming only soup for dinner as he is struggling to eat anything else due to stress.
With his children grown and his wife Cristina back in Barcelona, Pep recognizes that being a coach amid a losing streak can feel quite lonely.
This week, he expressed: “You might be surrounded by people, but the agony of defeat is something that you face by yourself.
“While your friends may support you, once you lie down and turn off the lights, there’s no comfort to be found.
“You have to accept the loss, take a day or two to reflect, and then strive to recover.”
In general, Guardiola maintains that his attitude is not drastically different from when his team was crowned champions for the fourth consecutive time last spring.
This is despite enduring a troubling series of seven losses in the last ten matches — a statistic that matches the total defeats City faced in the previous 105 games until late April.
The abrupt decline of his once-dominant team has been both surprising and alarming, leaving many baffled.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
5
This includes Pep himself, who appeared at his press conference following a draw against Feyenoord last month with visible bruises on his head and a cut on his nose.
While he first claimed it was due to his nails growing long, he clarified this week that there’s more to the tale.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates Barcelona’s 125th birthday with a song
Pep Guardiola’s Struggles at Man City
PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed that sleepless nights have become a frequent occurrence during this tough phase, marking his hardest time as a manager.
Here’s a summary of the last 10 matches for the three-time reigning Premier League champions:
Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 23: Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEAT
Nov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAW
Dec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT
Dec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest 0 – WIN
Dec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAW
Dec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT
TOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7
He mentioned: “I am dealing with a skin condition. I’ve been taking antihistamines for the past two to three years. My nails did contribute to some issues with my nose, but there’s more to it.”
With his 54th birthday approaching next month, Guardiola indicated in a recent interview that he lacks the motivation for another managerial role after his time at the Etihad.
The pressing question is whether he has the energy for the rebuilding task that lies ahead at City.
Many experienced players, who have achieved considerable success under him — such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ilkay Gundogan — are nearing the twilight of their careers.
After having accomplished nearly everything he set out to achieve — and even more — with City, some speculate if he still possesses the drive to chase further glory.
5
However, amidst the recent struggles, it’s important to note that he renewed his contract for two additional years at the Etihad during this challenging period.
It was Pep who initiated discussions about the contract — even while experiencing a streak of four straight losses — and an agreement was finalized within hours.
Given the events that have unfolded since and the obstacles he faces, he may be reflecting on that choice.
Those close to him insist he has no regrets and feels more determined than ever to reverse the course of the season.
He embraced the challenge of continuing less than a month ago, and there is no sign he has changed his mind.
I have a skin issue. I’ve been taking antihistamines for the past two to three years. My nails contributed to some nose problems, but the rest was a result of this condition.
Pep Guardiola
Throughout the season, Pep believed it was not the right moment for him to pass the lead to a successor, and three months in, he remains convinced of that.
The impending judgment regarding the 130 charges of financial misconduct was also influential, as he previously stated he wouldn’t leave the club he values during its trying times.
Moreover, the Club World Cup in the USA this summer will complicate the start of the next season, which was also on his mind.
Guardiola believes it’s crucial to guide City through this tough phase, and he remains steadfast in his resolve to do so.
In any case, Pep anticipated that this season would bring its challenges — partly due to the pressures following their recent successes and the international commitments of many of his players during the Euro 2024.
5
However, he did not foresee such challenges, as injuries have added further complications to the start of the season.
Still, he remains hopeful that once his crucial players return from injury, he can restore their winning form.
Nothing that has occurred since the onset of this decline in late October has changed his belief.
He stated: “I have learned in football to not fight against your feelings or perceptions in the moment.
“If I am feeling low, I acknowledge it, but I have faith that it will pass. That’s how I view things.”
A victory in the derby against United on Sunday could assist in hastening that recovery.
