Pep Guardiola said he is “not good enough” following his team’s latest setback in the derby on Sunday.
City unravelled in spectacular fashion at the Etihad Stadium as Amad Diallo struck a 90th-minute winner United just moments after Bruno Fernandes had made it 1-1 from the penalty spot.
The game-changing penalty was conceded by makeshift left-back Matheus Nunes after his poor back-pass put Ederson in trouble.
But Guardiola took responsibility as he reflected on an unprecedented eighth defeat in 11 games afterwards.
“I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions but I don’t find solutions,” he said after the game.
“This is a big club and when you lose eight [out of 11 games] something is wrong. You can say the schedule is tough or the injuries to players, but no.
“I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press.
“I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth.”
Guardiola signed a new two-year contract in November, saying he did not feel he could leave the club at a difficult time, but the crisis has spiralled since then and he is now facing questions over how and when he can reverse their fortunes.
“I’m here,” he said. “I’m responsible. It would be easy for me to say we lost because of this action or this player or this situation but football is a team game.
“I’m completely convinced in what I’m saying, that I’m not good enough to find a way for them to feel peace in their bodies and their minds. I want it desperately. I’m here to try and I will try again and again but that is the reality.”
Guardiola added: “I knew it would be a tough season but I didn’t expect so hard.”
2 Comments
To me you have not been exceptional. Though you are good but not exceptional.
I respect coaches who use average players to win some thing like Mourinho.
But you have always had the luxury of exceptional players and big money to win competitors.
Can you do what Mourinho did with Porto or inter in those days. No.
You always don’t have a plan B. It had always been there.
I am happy you’re sincere that you are good enough. You’re good it’s just that you are not exceptional.
Pick an average club in EPL and win something with it. Like some coaches have done with likes of Leicester city etc
I respect this man for this statement