Pep Guardiola questions himself after Manchester derby defeat to United worsens City's horror run: 'I'm not good enough'
Updated 15/12/2024 at 20:55 GMT
Manchester City looked to be heading for victory in the Manchester derby until the final two minutes, when Amad Diallo won a penalty and scored the winner two minutes later to worsen Pep Guardiola's mood and continue City's horror run. The Citizens have now lost eight games in 11 matches in all competitions, and Guardiola admitted he is struggling for solutions.
Crouch says Guardiola in ‘most difficult moment of his career’ after late Manchester derby loss
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola blamed himself following his side's 2-1 loss to Manchester United, claiming he is "not good enough".
Guardiola's misery continued with an eighth defeat in 11 matches after a late winner from Amad Diallo at the Etihad on Sunday.
With both sides struggling for form, Guardiola stumped by the downfall of his all-conquering team and Amorim still getting a handle on a club in desperate need of an overhaul, the on-pitch quality was stark.
City created few meaningful changes and Erling Haaland was largely nullified by the visitors.
United, at least, were persistent, and Amorim's faith in Diallo - and the controversial axing of both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from his match-day squad - paid off.
"Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent," Guardiola said post-game. "We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player.
"We gave away goals, our fault. We don't play with composure. The results are not good, the game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand but the reality is this."
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‘I don’t find a solution’ – Guardiola says he's ‘not good enough’ after Manchester derby loss
Video credit: SNTV
Matheus Nunes was at fault for United's first goal, a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes. Diallo jumped on a poor pass from Nunes in the 88th minute, who then chased the winger and fouled him with a reckless challenge in the City box.
Two minutes later, Diallo pounced again to score from a tight angle and snatch victory away from City.
"They have to know that these situations happen. In the box you have to be careful," the City manager added. "It's not about Matheus, he played really good in not his position at full-back. But it's not about that, we have to play better.
"The result will help us to take our best but right now we don't have it. The way I learn is to keep going.
"I'm not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and so far I haven't. That's the reality.
"We want to play better, create chances. But at the moment, it's not possible."
City face sixth-placed Aston Villa on December 21. Villa's loss to Nottingham Forest saw City drop to fifth and nine points off Liverpool in top spot, having played a game more.
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'We played like under-15s' - Silva
Bernardo Silva was equally as blunt in his summation of the defeat.
"We totally deserved what happened," Silva said. "At this level, if it’s a game or two, you can say that you’re being lucky or unlucky. If it’s 10 games, it’s not about that.
"If at minute 87 of a derby, you’re winning 1-0, a corner for your team and the ball ends up with your keeper and a penalty for them, if you make this kind of stupid decision when it’s three or four minutes to go, you deserve to pay for that.
"My feeling was there was only one team that could win that game, but in the end we lost. And it’s not one game, it’s a lot of games lately. We have to look at ourselves, it’s not about ‘We’re playing well and it’s a bit unlucky’. No, it’s the decisions that you make.
"Today, in the last minute, we played like under-15s and we paid the price.
"It's quite normal that we're not very happy at the minute. Not just this game, but the last month. We have to do better individually and collectively because it's not the standards of Manchester City."
After a 3-0 win over Forest earlier in the month gave hope that Guardiola was steadying the ship, a draw at Crystal Palace and a loss to Juventus and United since has plunged City into a level of crisis completely unknown to them.
It is alien territory for the Spaniard and his side, whose dominance has completely faded after winning four straight Premier League titles.
They are also dangerously close to exiting the UEFA Champions League, sitting just three places and one point above the elimination zone, and face a crucial tie against Paris Saint-Germain upon the competition's return in January - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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