Pep Guardiola has faced intense scrutiny following one of the most surprising defeats of his Manchester City reign, admitting his team’s recent struggles are a reflection of his own inability to find the right solutions.
City’s failure to hold onto a 1-0 lead in the Manchester derby against United on Saturday left Guardiola visibly agitated, marking a dramatic end to what had been an increasingly tense and troubled match for the defending Premier League champions.
Manchester City appeared to be on course for victory when Josko Gvardiol’s header in the 36th minute put them ahead.
However, Guardiola’s reaction to the goal seemed subdued, showing little satisfaction as the strike came off a deflected cross rather than from a more controlled build-up — something that has long been the hallmark of City’s dominance under the Spaniard.
As the second half began, Guardiola could be seen alone on the sidelines, eyes closed, sipping from a water bottle, trying to steady himself for what seemed like an inevitable conclusion.
Yet, as the match wore on, City’s defense faltered in a dramatic turn of events, and a late comeback from Manchester United left Guardiola and his players stunned.
With just two minutes remaining, a mistake by Matheus Nunes handed the ball to Amad Diallo, who was fouled by the City midfielder. Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the penalty spot, equalizing for United.
But worse was to come for City fans, as just moments later, Lisandro Martinez’s long ball exposed an inexplicably static City defense, allowing Diallo to score a second goal.
Goalkeeper Ederson, whose positioning was off, stood no chance against the acute angle at which Diallo struck.
The 2-1 loss was particularly painful for Guardiola, as it marked the latest defeat in Premier League history after leading a game in the 88th minute.
It was the first time Manchester City had lost a match after holding a late lead in a game under Guardiola, a shocking turn for a team known for their resilience and precision.
City’s previous excellence has now come under serious threat, with Guardiola’s side losing four of 105 Premier League home games in which they had led at half-time.
The defeat also underscored the growing concerns surrounding their defense and inability to see out crucial matches, particularly against a persistent Manchester United side who capitalized on City’s mistakes.
In a candid post-match assessment, Guardiola held himself accountable, offering a brutally honest analysis of his team’s shortcomings.
“I am not good enough. I am the boss. I am the manager. I have to find solutions and so far I haven’t,” he said in an interview with Match of the Day.
“That’s the reality. Not much else to say. No defense. Manchester United were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can’t defend that.”
The loss marks a significant setback for Guardiola and City as they grapple with mounting pressure to regain their form.
With the Premier League season intensifying, Guardiola’s ability to address the defensive frailties and find a way to secure results will be crucial in City’s bid to maintain their dominance in English football.
