Pep Guardiola has remained optimistic about Manchester City’s prospects this season, despite the team’s worrying run of five consecutive defeats.
Cyber Reporters reports that City will host Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, seeking their first win since late October.
“I have the feeling that this season we will do very good things,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference. “I don’t give up, and I have the feeling we will be there.”
Guardiola acknowledged that City are defending a legacy of success, which can be difficult to handle.
City are currently eight points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with a crucial match at Anfield looming next weekend.
The team has also been eliminated from the League Cup and sits 10th in the Champions League standings.
Despite these challenges, Guardiola has no intention of changing his methods, which have led City to four consecutive Premier League titles and the Champions League crown in 2023.
“I want the players to be more focused,” he said. “What do we have to do? And step by step, we will come back.”
Guardiola has been dealing with a lengthy injury list, including midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who recently returned from a several-week absence.
De Bruyne expressed frustration at being unable to contribute to the team during his injury, but said the squad is determined to return to winning ways as soon as possible.
“It’s been a bit chaotic,” De Bruyne said. “I’ve seen so many people around the medical area, sports science, (you wonder) who’s playing and who’s not playing.”
De Bruyne acknowledged that some players have been playing through injuries, but expressed confidence that the team can turn things around.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of desire and commitment in City’s upcoming matches.
“Right now, the most important thing is not tactics, it is to win a game on desire,” he said. “You look at December and at the end of the season, whether you need to change things and be more solid, but these guys will do very, very good things.”
