Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has hit back with a strong response to those who want him and his squad to alter their style of play amid a run of six games without a win.
Matters were made even worse for Manchester City on Tuesday night as they were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Eredivisie giants Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium, despite being three goals ahead in the 75th minute of the match.
More dropped points in Europe’s premier club competition now leaves Manchester City in danger of dropping even further down the league phase table as they come into the second round of matchday five matches in 15th position.
That leveller with Brian Priske’s side followed five defeats in succession across competitions, and precedes a trip to Merseyside on Sunday afternoon as Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Anfield to take on Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Premier League.
Speaking earlier this week, Pep Guardiola was keen to point out the huge levels of success reached by himself and his Manchester City side over the years with the same style of play that is currently under the microscope amid a torrid run of form.
“Why should I change when we won six Premier League’s in seven years? When I won 11 titles in 14 years? When I won three Champions League’s? Why should I change? Because I lose games? Oh my god! That would be a problem,” said Guardiola.
The 53-year-old also insisted that the real Manchester City would return as soon as his players come back to full fitness, as he continued, “Just give me my players back! Give me my players back, and you will see!
“It’s difficult when you have to play without four central defenders, with two holding midfielders being out, with the best player in the world, Rodri, being out for a whole season, when you had four wingers and now just one.
“Just give me my players back and you will see Manchester City!”
Manchester City will be well aware that their poor form across competitions needs to end as soon as possible, and a defeat against Liverpool this weekend would leave them 11 points adrift of the Anfield club heading into a relentless run of fixtures right through to March 2025.
