Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that things have gone wrong in his squad just days after it was predicted he might resign from his role this week.
Man City lost 3-1 to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, continuing their slide in the competition standings.
The result has put Guardiola’s men at risk of dropping out of direct qualification spots, potentially forcing them into a playoff to reach the round of 16.
The defeat to Bodo came just days after losing the Manchester derby 2-0 to rivals Manchester United.
Man City, who are also in the race for the English Premier League title, have now gone without a win in five of their last seven matches across all competitions.
“Today was a great opportunity for us to move up in the standings, but it did not go as we expected. At the moment, it seems everything is going wrong and against us,” said Guardiola.
“That is the truth, and we must try to change this situation. We tried our best, although I believe in this competition we haven’t done enough. Man United were better than us (on Saturday). Today it was the pace of the game that punished us.”
Last weekend, Bein journalist Richard Keys suggested that Guardiola’s days could be numbered and claimed he might leave before the Champions League match.
“He could leave this week, and when he does, former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca will take over and will be officially present on the touchline in the league match against Wolves this coming weekend.”
“It is possible Manchester City themselves may not want to hear this, but that is the reality. It is on his mind, and I was told he hasn’t changed his thoughts.”
Guardiola believes that one of the main reasons his team has been underperforming is due to injury problems in his defensive line.
