City Boss Stresses Focus on Performance Over Results Amid Slump
Pep Guardiola has dismissed doubts about Manchester City’s mentality as his side gears up for pivotal clashes against Juventus in the Champions League and Manchester United in the derby. City have won just one of their last nine matches across all competitions, putting their season at risk both domestically and in Europe.
Currently sitting 19th in the Champions League standings and eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, Guardiola views this week as a turning point. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said, “The reality is that with the players we have, we need to do better. This is our target.”
Challenges and Resilience
City’s struggles have been compounded by injuries, with Guardiola acknowledging the difficulties: “In one department, we suffered a lot. That defines the team, the players, the managers, the clubs—how you deal with difficulties.”
Despite the setbacks, the Spaniard is adamant about the team’s mentality, adding, “I do not have complaints about that. To regain our confidence is what we have to do as a team.”
Performance Over Results
City appeared to find form with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest but were pegged back in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Guardiola emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than obsessing over results. “The result is not where we have to focus; it’s about the performance and the way we have to play,” he said. “The way we play will save us. The results are only the consequence.”
Reflecting on Success and Adversity
City’s recent slump has surprised fans accustomed to their dominance, having won four consecutive Premier League titles. Guardiola, however, views such success as an outlier, saying, “The exceptional thing is winning four Premier Leagues in a row, not having a bad month. It happens to all teams.”
He urged perspective, explaining, “We are living now like normal people live. The exception is winning 11 championships. That’s why I accepted before that it wasn’t normal.”
A Crucial Fortnight Ahead
With Juventus and United on the horizon, Guardiola sees the coming weeks as a chance to reset. “The next two weeks are really important to change and stay involved in all competitions,” he said. “People think, ‘They won four, they can’t lose,’ but of course, we can lose.”
City’s resilience and ability to respond will be tested as they aim to salvage their season in what could be a defining period for the club.
Similar Posts:
- “I’m only part of it” – Pep Guardiola on how much of Manchester City’s success is down to him
- Guardiola Praises Man City’s Relentless Mentality Amid Uncertain Future
- Guardiola Eyes “Four Finals” as Manchester City Edge Closer to Premier League Title (Video)
- Pep Guardiola Lauds Kevin De Bruyne’s Heroics as Manchester City Triumph over FC Copenhagen
- Guardiola praises players for shaking off hangovers as he details boozy celebrations
Revolutionize your weighing needs with BWER, Iraq’s top provider of weighbridge systems, featuring unparalleled accuracy, durability, and expert installation services.