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PEP GUARDIOLA has always been a pioneer in the realm of football — but this revelation took everyone aback.
It was shocking to witness the Manchester City manager, often hailed as the best in the field, talking about losing the dressing room.
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Credit: Reuters
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Credit: Getty
What’s even more surprising is that he initiated the conversation himself.
Suddenly, the fact that City had suffered seven defeats out of ten matches appeared insignificant. This revelation stunned everyone.
Guardiola is grappling with the toughest stretch of his coaching career, yet he remains adamant that it has only strengthened his resolve further.
There’s only one scenario that could truly bring the accomplished Spaniard to his breaking point — and it wouldn’t be on the pitch.
It would happen the moment he realizes his words no longer resonate. When his players stop seeing him as their guiding figure. When the locker room no longer feels like a part of his realm.
However, before City supporters think about calling for help, the savior has not detected any such issues just yet.
Yet he concedes that if those signs do manifest, his exit from the Etihad would be swift.
Guardiola remarked: “There is one specific moment when I would say, ‘Pep, it’s time to think again’. And that is when I lose the team.”
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“When I feel they aren’t giving their all. When people start saying the manager has lost the locker room and they stop following my lead.
“In that scenario, I wouldn’t stay for another second.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday
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Pep Guardiola’s Nightmarish Streak at Man City
PEP GUARDIOLA confessed he is suffering from restless nights as he endures his worst spell as a manager.
Take a look at the dismal performances of the three-time reigning Premier League champions in their last 10 outings…
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 – 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
“Yet, at this moment, I am fully engaged — no doubt about that.”
Guardiola understands that the stunning run of defeats — equaling the number of losses City faced in their previous 105 games — is not a result of lack of vision from the bench.
It arises from a heartbreaking injury roster, the long-term absence of key players — particularly Rodri — coupled with a demanding fixture list that would challenge any team.
There is one moment when I would say, ‘Pep, it’s time to rethink’. And that’s when I lose the team.
Pep Guardiola
He added: “I can’t speculate on what might have unfolded with all the players fit… with Rodri playing, with Phil Foden in the mix, with Oscar Bobb available, and with the whole defensive core fit. I can’t definitively say what our standing would be.
“I can envision it, but I can’t prove it, right? We would undeniably be a stronger side, that’s a given, but the truth tells a different story.
“In past seasons, perhaps we would navigate the entire year without encountering seven losses. But this is football, it’s life.
“If you told me a month prior, when we were atop the league and unbeaten, that we would go on to lose seven, I’d think, ‘You must be joking! That’s impossible for my team’.
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“But it has happened — and we could very well lose even more. The taxing schedule plays a significant role.
“Rodri participated in 75 matches last season. He celebrated victory in the Euros with Spain, got injured while on international duty, and returned. Do you think he was rejuvenated for this season? Not at all.
“As resilient as he is, he came back fatigued. But I needed him against Arsenal, irrespective of his fitness.
“Typically, after a game, recovery sessions are held the next day while those who didn’t play engage in training.
“But we currently have seven, eight, or nine injured players. We’re not at our optimal performance level because we simply lack the personnel. We’ve made several mistakes, but we are pressed for time. We need to practice, we need to gel together.
“Writing doesn’t merely require reading multiple books; practicing writing a novel is essential, unless one is William Shakespeare! After that, one needs nothing else.”
Despite all the justifications and the injuries, Guardiola is aware that in the end, the responsibility falls squarely on him.
To be a writer, it’s not necessary to read books; you must practice to write a novel, unless you are William Shakespeare! After that, you don’t need anything.
Pep Guardiola
And the truth is that City’s performance has not met expectations.
Winning the Manchester derby would at least offer some relief, even if it’s merely a temporary fix for a significant issue.
He admitted: “We lack a strong defense, my friends. We’ve lost far too many matches while this was the case. The criticism and scrutiny are justified.
“You can express your opinions and be receptive to feedback, but fundamentally, the responsibility lies with you to implement changes. It’s up to me — that’s why I am highly compensated.
“If I wish to avoid the backlash following matches, I should consider a different profession — that’s not a novel idea.”
Fortunately for City, he has no intention of stepping away just yet. At least that’s a glimmer of hope.
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