Pep Guardiola takes responsibility as Manchester City’s 21-year streak ends
Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for Manchester City’s recent struggles following their dramatic 2-1 loss to Manchester United in Sunday’s derby.
This defeat, their eighth in the last 11 matches, leaves the defending champions in a tough spot, nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
After the game, Guardiola admitted he hasn’t been performing well as a manager.
“I’m in charge, and I haven’t done well enough,” he said. “It’s my job to fix this. It’s not about blaming the players—this is on me.”
The loss adds to City’s poor run of form, which has now pushed them down to fifth in the league—their worst performance streak since 2003.
Bruno Fernandes scored a late penalty, and Amad Diallo sealed the win for United, overturning City’s early lead from Josko Gvardiol’s header. Guardiola is now left searching for solutions.
The frustration is shared by senior players. Phil Foden criticized the team’s defensive errors, calling them “schoolboy defending.” Bernardo Silva was equally blunt, saying, “We got what we deserved. At this level, it’s not about luck. Over 10 games, poor decisions have made us look like a youth team.”
The defeat comes just weeks after Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension, showing the club’s faith in him despite the team’s struggles.
Next, City will take on Aston Villa as they look to end their losing streak and regain their winning mindset.
