Pep Guardiola Defends Manchester City Squad Amid Slump: ‘This Too Shall Pass’
Pep Guardiola has passionately defended his Manchester City squad, dismissing suggestions that age is to blame for their recent poor form. As the team endures a rare five-game losing streak, Guardiola insists the solution lies in focusing on the immediate goal: winning the next game.
“Just One Win,” Says Guardiola
After Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Tottenham, Guardiola was candid about his team’s current struggles.
“Just one. You have to win one,” he stated defiantly. “Are we ready to win the Premier League? No. We have to win one game, then win the next one, and learn from this one to get better. This is the mindset to have. If we don’t win, we don’t win.”
City’s poor form has left their hopes of a fifth consecutive Premier League title hanging by a thread, while their long-standing unbeaten runs in Europe and at the Etihad have been broken. For Guardiola, the path forward begins with something simple yet elusive: a victory.
Confidence in a Turnaround
Despite the current slump, Guardiola remains optimistic. Reiterating his belief in his players, he emphasized:
“This too shall pass.”
Guardiola signed a two-year extension to ensure the club is not left in disarray when his tenure eventually ends. He seems intent on rebuilding the team for sustained success, beginning with ending their current struggles.
Age Not a Factor in Poor Form
Asked whether the squad’s age—eight key players are over 30—has contributed to their losing streak, Guardiola dismissed the idea.
“It depends on the performance. There are players who are 30 and more than 30 who perform incredibly well. There are players who are 23 who perform not good. I don’t see the age,” he explained.
Guardiola added:
“A few weeks ago, they were the same age, and we won the Premier League, reached the FA Cup final, and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. I want to defend what we have done because I know these guys, and I never blame one player.”
Balancing Loyalty and Transition
While Guardiola defends his senior players—such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson—he acknowledges the need for a long-term rebuild.
“There are a lot of factors that make a difference. If I could say the reason why [for the poor form], I’d solve it immediately, but it is not as simple as that.”
City’s wealth of experience could prove pivotal in navigating their current challenges. Guardiola’s ultimate goal is to transition into the next era of success without abandoning the principles and players that have made his tenure so remarkable.
Looking Ahead
For now, Guardiola is focused on the immediate future, determined to restore confidence and momentum to his squad. With the wealth of talent and experience at his disposal, City will aim to pull themselves out of this slump and compete for trophies by the season’s end. As Guardiola’s mantra suggests: “This too shall pass.”
