Guardiola: “If you don’t win you’re in trouble, I know that”

Manchester City manager admits to a bad run of form, but says he is working to get back to good results. “In the situation we are in, it is not realistic to think about big goals,” he said, in the preview of the duel with Liverpool

Pep Guardiola is going through an unprecedented situation at Manchester City . They have not won since 30 October – five defeats and one draw. On Tuesday, the Citizens were leading Feyenoord 3-0 in the Champions League , but ended up conceding a draw. Next up is a difficult trip to Anfield, where they face Liverpool , on matchday 13 of the Premier League .

“In the situation we are in, it is not realistic to think about big goals. The situation is to think about the next game and gain momentum to continue and come back. Even in positive situations, I think talking about winning the title in November/December is not realistic. Liverpool have only lost one game. They are in great form and are strong in many aspects, especially in the penalty areas. I always think about the goals in April/May. It will be more difficult for us if we don’t get a good result on Sunday, but there are still many games left. Are Liverpool the best team in Europe? I don’t know. They are one of the best. A few years ago, when they said that Manchester City were the best team in the world, I didn’t pay attention for a second,” he began by saying in a press conference.

Despite the bad moment, Manchester City occupies second place, although eight points behind the leader Liverpool and with Chelsea , Arsenal and Brighton practically glued together.

“We are second in the table. I have said many times that we may have to live as a club, as a team, live through this kind of situation. We will come back, I know that. I don’t know when, that’s the truth. You can judge the situation we are in – when the club controlled the Premier League for many years – it is normal for that to happen. It is about how we will get up again and again and again, whatever happens. We have done it in the past and I hope we can start doing it again,” he said, admitting that he was working to find new solutions.

“I’m thinking about what I can do to help them, but in a long career as a player and coach you experience these situations. You have to accept it and challenge yourself. Without complaining, without blaming or running away from responsibility. If you don’t win you’re in trouble, I know that. People trust me, it’s not normal for big clubs to have the results we do, but what you have to do is accept it. The moment I feel that I’m not being positive for the club, another coach will come, but I want to have the opportunity to try and I want to rebuild the team in many aspects until the end of the season and for the next ones”, he said.

“We don’t have the consistency we used to have, but what team is consistent for 10 years in the world? Name one. There aren’t any – not in the NBA, tennis, golf. It shows who we are as sportsmen and competitors. It’s easier when you win 10 out of 12 games and everyone is in shape and at their peak. I have to prove myself and find a solution and a way to do that. I’m trying every day.”