"We are not going to change our beliefs" - Pep Guardiola defends 'fragile' Manchester City principles after Feyenoord draw
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has defended his side's principles after their 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday (November 26). The English side have been in poor form recently, failing to secure a win in their last six games.
The English champions squandered a three-goal lead against the Dutch side within 15 minutes, a performance that raised questions about the team's future. This poor run of form is the worst in Guardiola's career but the Catalan tactician remains confident in the principles that helped him win the English top flight four seasons in a row.
Defending his principles to the press after the game, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said (via Aljazeera):
“We lost a lot of games lately. We are fragile and of course we need a victory."
He added:
“What should I change? We are not going to change our beliefs. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals that we have to do. In this moment we have to go more direct to our principles. Don’t change much – less than ever. Rest one or two days, clear the head mentally, and think of the next [game]"
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City players were booed after the game by their home fans, and the side will be under pressure to return to winning ways soon. They will face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend (Sunday, December 1).
"I don't know if it's mental, it's a question of technique" - Pep Guardiola unsure of the cause of Manchester City's poor form
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is unsure why his side is in such poor form. The English side have gone from one of the most dominant clubs in European football to one of the worst teams in recent games.
The reigning English champions have failed to win in their last six games, losing five and drawing one, while conceding 17 goals and scoring only seven. The team's worrying run of form has left Guardiola perplexed, as he pondered the reason. He said (via The Mirror):
"I don't know if it's mental, it's a question of technique. The first goal cannot happen and the second as well, so that's why after that... we are desperate to win, desperate to do well. We did well but we don't win games."
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City face Liverpool, Nottingham Forrest, Crystal Palace, Juventus, and cross-town rivals Manchester United in their next five games. The English champions will be desperate to regain control of their performances and results and halt their tailspin, heading into the hectic festive round of fixtures.
