Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his team needs to rediscover their winning form quickly, after suffering an unprecedented fourth consecutive defeat. This latest setback, a 2-1 loss to Brighton, marks the first time in Guardiola’s career that he has experienced such a losing streak, and he even hinted that perhaps Liverpool may be deserving of the title this season.
Matt O’Riley, making his Premier League debut, scored a crucial late winner for Brighton after Joao Pedro equalized, nullifying Erling Haaland’s early goal. This defeat compounds City’s recent struggles, adding to losses against Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Sporting Lisbon in an intense 11-day stretch.
Reflecting on this difficult period, Guardiola reminded fans of the winning legacy he has built at City. “You have to count the victories and defeats, and we will win a lot,” he said confidently. “If you have to count how many victories in a row, we are far away from that position.”
He acknowledged his team’s current inability to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes: “We played a really good first half and moments in the second half. We lost again, so clear our heads, international break, and hopefully our players come back fit.”
Guardiola emphasized the need for quick adjustments. “We have to try and win games again. We were not able to sustain the rhythm in the second half. Four defeats in a row. We have to change things quickly. The schedule becomes tough, but it’s going to happen when the players come back.”
While the recent losses have been difficult, Guardiola was cautiously optimistic, noting that “We’re not far away. We will clear our heads and come back after the international break.” However, he hinted at the possibility of another team taking the title this season, saying, “Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserves it.”
Adding to the uncertainty, Guardiola’s future with City is now under scrutiny. His contract expires at the end of the season, and he has not confirmed whether he will renew. Speculation has intensified, particularly amid rumors linking him with the Brazilian national team—though the Brazilian Football Federation has denied any current plans to approach Guardiola.
