Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has vowed to remain steadfast as his team navigates through a challenging phase. The reigning Premier League champions, who have dominated the competition with six titles in the last seven seasons, have managed only one victory in their past 13 league matches, suffering nine defeats.
Despite the mounting pressure, Guardiola emphasized his commitment to reversing the team’s fortunes. “I will not give up,” he stated ahead of City’s upcoming clash with Leicester on Sunday. “I want to be here, to fix this situation, and to make it right for everyone who loves this club. It’s a test, but we’ve overcome adversity before.”
Injury Woes Take Their Toll
City’s recent dip in form has been exacerbated by a spate of injuries to key players. Guardiola cited the absence of several first-team regulars as a major factor in the team’s struggles. Midfielder Rodri, who recently won the Ballon d’Or, is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Matheus Nunes all missed the recent 1-1 draw against Everton.
“For many years, we’ve been incredibly consistent,” Guardiola noted. “Now, we’re facing a tough period largely due to the injuries to some of our most important players.”
A Spirit of Resilience
Despite the challenges, Guardiola remains optimistic about his squad’s mindset and effort. “I’ve seen the team spirit and their focus in training this week,” he said. “Against Everton, we showed that spirit, even if the result didn’t reflect it. We must keep working hard and believe in ourselves to turn this around.”
As City prepare for their next test at Leicester, the manager’s resolve serves as a rallying cry for both players and fans eager to see their team return to winning ways.