Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City have strayed from their core principles in recent weeks, but he believes the solution is straightforward: “keep things simple” to rebuild confidence.
Guardiola faces a pivotal week as City travel to face Juventus in the Champions League before a crucial derby against Manchester United. Neither opponent has been in great form, but City’s own struggles are glaring, with just one win in their last nine games – their worst run under Guardiola. Their Premier League title hopes are faltering, and their Champions League campaign is under threat. Yet, Guardiola insists his focus is on the next game, not the bigger picture.
At the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Guardiola’s pre-match press conference began on a somber note. His responses were short and blunt, as though eager to leave. But as the conversation turned to the root of City’s problems, the manager opened up.
“What will save us is the way we play,” Guardiola stated. “The mistakes are consequences because we’re not playing the way we have to play.”
He elaborated on what has gone wrong: “Now we attack so quick, a lot of things not in the right tempo, and we lose the ball and then concede transitions. In that, any team is better than us. We have to be so simple.”
Guardiola emphasized the need to return to their foundational style: “Our strength is the ball. Our success over these eight, nine years comes from running like a desperate team when we don’t have the ball and being incredibly patient with it. Let them run, don’t make incredible recoveries, and stay composed.”
Despite the recent slump, Guardiola dismissed the idea that the issue is psychological. “It’s about doing the simple things better,” he insisted. “It’s not a mental thing. They are professionals. Always.”
City defender Ruben Dias echoed his manager’s sentiments, urging the team to focus on basics. “I believe in his words,” said Dias. “It’s time to stick together. Our process has worked magic over the years, and now is the time to stay strong. Back to basics.”
Dias continued, “If we’re on a good level, nobody can stop us. Injuries happen, but we know our potential. Right now, it’s about believing in ourselves and not letting recent results drag us down.”
There appears to be renewed unity within the City camp. Guardiola and his players are aligned in their belief that simplifying their approach will restore confidence and results.
Guardiola also shared his perspective on rebuilding confidence: “Confidence comes from doing the simple things right,” he explained. “It’s not just about saying, ‘have confidence.’ If I win a duel or make a good action defensively or offensively, that builds confidence. It’s not complicated. Just focus on two or three simple things and do them well.”
As Manchester City prepare for two crucial fixtures, Guardiola’s message is clear: simplicity and discipline will pave the way for a return to form.
