Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola expressed confidence in his squad's potential as they aim to turn their recent fortunes around. He noted that, in the absence of their injury challenges, this current team would likely be leading the league.
The Blues enjoyed a promising start to the season, sitting at the top of the Premier League table after nine matches and remaining unbeaten in all competitions, which surpassed Guardiola's initial expectations. Unfortunately, a series of injuries have impacted their performance, resulting in four consecutive league defeats. As they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at home next, the team from Etihad will look to get back to winning ways.
The undeniable decline of the City squad has sparked serious concerns, not only about their prospects for silverware this season but also about whether we are witnessing the conclusion of their golden era of dominance.
Guardiola's take on being compared to Jose Mourinho
During the match at Anfield, Guardiola held up six fingers, a defiant gesture in response to the chants about his potential sack in near future. This was his way to remind everyone of the Premier League titles City has secured under his leadership. However, this action raised eyebrows and drew comparisons to Mourinho’s similar gesture towards the end of his tenure at United, prompting discussions about Guardiola's composure.
"I was never cool, I was only cool because we won. When you don't win it's completely the opposite" Pep said.
"I hope [it's] not [the beginning of the end] in my case. Maybe we are similar like Jose, but he won three and I won six! We are together in those situations." Pep asserted.
🚨👀 Pep Guardiola on his 6 titles gesture compared to José Mourinho being the end of his era: “I hope not in my case! At the end, maybe we are quite similar...”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2024
"But he won three, I won six”. ⤵️🥶@HaytersTV 🎥 pic.twitter.com/B6suSkDp9T
"It was just to make our fans feel that what we have done is extraordinary. I want to prove that we are an incredible football club. Sooner or later it's going to be the end but I will try to extend as much as possible for the best of my club." Pep added.
Concerns among the fanbase regarding the squad have surfaced following the summer transfer window. There are discussions about the potential of several star players to continue performing at their best.
"Five goals and assists from these. Not 20, 30 or 40. Just five goals and assists from these players and we’d be top of the league." he concluded.