Pep Guardiola Reflects on Manchester City’s Shocking 4-0 Defeat to Spurs: “We’ve Never Lived This Kind of Situation”
Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes took a massive hit as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, extending a torrid run of form under Pep Guardiola. The champions, five points behind Liverpool entering the weekend, now risk falling even further adrift as Arne Slot’s Reds could widen the gap to eight points with a win over Southampton on Sunday.
City’s 52-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad was shattered by a ruthless Spurs side. James Maddison struck twice within the first 20 minutes, showcasing clinical composure, before Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson added to the misery after the break. Guardiola’s men, reeling from recent defensive lapses, are now facing an uphill battle to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title.
Guardiola Admits Defensive Fragility
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Guardiola didn’t shy away from the team’s glaring issues:
“In this moment we are fragile defensively. We started really well as normal but we could not score, and then we conceded. After that, we conceded some more, which is difficult for our emotions right now.”
The Spanish manager, who has led City to countless triumphs over his eight-year tenure, admitted this rough patch is uncharted territory:
“In eight years, we have never lived this kind of situation. Now we have to live it and break it by winning the next games, especially the next one. Maybe in a few weeks, we see things differently.”
Injuries Impacting City’s Stability
City’s struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players, including the influential Rodri, who has been sidelined with a long-term issue. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges his squad faces without their usual depth:
“Of course, Rodri is important, but we knew that for many months. Stones can only play 45 minutes. Jack has been injured many times. Kevin, two months and five months. We have to come back and freshen our minds. The season is so long. Many things can happen.”
Despite the setback, Guardiola remains determined to rally his side:
“We struggled more without the ball. I don’t know how many chances we created, but our game was there. We must now focus on recovering and preparing for the next match.”
A Pivotal Clash Awaits
City now face a critical showdown against Liverpool next weekend. Guardiola admitted the team’s current form and the mounting pressure have created uncertainty:
“Before the game, I didn’t know what would happen today. So I don’t know what will happen at Anfield. Everyone knows the situation is new for us.”
As City’s title defense hangs in the balance, all eyes will be on their response in the coming weeks.
