Urooj NazirAfter Manchester City’s most recent loss put them at risk of missing out on the Champions League knockout rounds, Pep Guardiola acknowledges that he is doubting himself.
In their most recent European match, City lost 2-0 at Juventus on Wednesday, suffering their seventh loss in ten games across all competitions.
At the Allianz Stadium, strikes from Weston McKennie and Dusan Vlahovic in the second half left Guardiola’s team sagging in 22nd position.
With two league games left, they will have to fight to stay in the top 24 and secure a play-off berth, while a spot in the top eight and automatic last-16 qualification appear out of their grasp.
“Of course I question myself, but I’m stable in good moments and bad moments,” stated Guardiola, the city manager.
“I look for a means to accomplish it. I am really honest. We played well today, in my opinion, and if we play well, we performed well.
“We will be saved by our game. We are capable. Compared to our victory over Nottingham Forest, we gave up fewer opportunities. Our tempo is appropriate.
“We didn’t have the poise at the proper time, we didn’t get to the six-yard box in time, and we missed the final throw.
However, I adore my team. This is a fact of life. I’m going to insist until we get there, even though you occasionally have a rough phase.
Next month, City must travel to Paris St. Germain, who are also in danger of not qualifying.
Guardiola acknowledges that the top 24 is the sole goal today.
It’s the target, he declared. Either one or three points are required. To try to complete the final game at home, we travel to Paris.
After the game, veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan expressed his belief that City was losing confidence, but Guardiola brushed his player’s remarks off.
“I disagree with Ilkay,” he declared. “Of course it’s difficult, but we’ve played well this time around, with the exception of one or two games.”
When City hosts rivals Manchester United in a derby on Sunday, they will be put to the test once more.
According to Gundogan, “Confidence is a big part of it,” he told TNT Sports. That is also a mental health problem.
We occasionally lose duels or miss the ball, and you can see that we instantly falter and lose our rhythm. Even though they (the opponents) don’t have to do anything, it already has a significant impact on us.
“Even more, you need to create fluidity and do the simple things as well as you can, and then you have to work hard again.” Doing the little, easy things will help you regain your confidence, but right now, we are constantly making mistakes when it counts.
The hosts’ performance pleased Juventus coach Thiago Motta and increased their chances of finishing in the top eight.
He declared, “It was a well-earned victory.” As a team, we had to defend and be prepared to launch a strong offensive.
“After demonstrating our ability to compete at this level, we must now do it consistently.”
