Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for Manchester City’s devastating 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, admitting his team’s poor performance and lack of composure contributed to their latest setback. Despite an early lead from Josko Gvardiol’s header, City found themselves on the back foot after Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty, followed by a winning goal from United’s Amad just moments later.
City’s latest defeat marks their eighth loss in their last 11 matches across all competitions, a run that has left their Premier League title defence in jeopardy. With only one win in their last six league matches, City now sit fifth in the table, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool after playing a game more.
Guardiola, however, refused to blame his players for the defeat. Instead, he shouldered the blame, saying, “Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can’t defend that. It’s not about this or that player. We gave away goals, our fault. We don’t play with composure.”
He continued, “The results are not good, the game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand but the reality is this. It’s not about Matheus [Nunes], he played really well out of position at full-back. But we have to play better. The result will help us take our best, but right now we don’t have it. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions, and so far, I haven’t. That’s the reality.”
While Guardiola accepted responsibility, midfielder Bernardo Silva was less forgiving, criticizing his teammates for their lack of focus and decision-making. “We deserved what happened. At this level, a game or two is unlucky. We can’t say this is lucky or unlucky – 10 games, it’s not about that,” Silva said. “Minute 87 in a derby, winning 1-0, and our corner ends in a penalty for them—if we make these stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go, you deserve to pay for that.”
Silva added, “Looking at the game, I think there was only one team that could win the game, but at the end we lost. It’s not one game, it’s a lot of games lately. We have to look at ourselves. You can say it’s a bit unlucky, no. It’s the decisions you make. Today, in the last minute, we played like under-15s.”
As City grapples with their form, the pressure on Guardiola intensifies. With crucial fixtures ahead, it remains to be seen whether he can turn things around and restore their title challenge.
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