Manager says his side have set very high standards but backs team to turn things around
Pep Guardiola is critical of pundits and football supporters who expect Manchester City to be perfect.
The City coach has implied that in some ways his team are a victim of their own success, held to extraordinarily high standards. They came under the microscope after the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the derby last week was followed by a 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League in midweek.
“We cannot lose games,” Guardiola said in his press conference ahead of Wolves’ visit. “Man City is so perfect that we cannot lose games. It is what it is. We have to change the dynamic to try to win games tomorrow and Wednesday [against Galatasaray].
“I have an extraordinary team and we are all together. I don’t have any doubts about that.”
Title-chasing City were surprisingly outplayed from start to finish in the Manchester derby, before facing a shock against Norwegian side Bodo, who raced into a 3-0 lead before the hour. Guardiola refused to accept his team were poor in the game.
“We were in Newcastle one week ago and we won 2-0,” Guardiola said. “In my opinion, against Bodo, we missed the chances that we had and the long balls, we were not aggressive enough. We conceded two goals in two minutes. We had chances with the Max Alleyne header.
“I’m not talking about the game against United. In the game against Bodo, I did not have that feeling.”
City are still second in the Premier League table, and only seven points behind leaders Arsenal, with 48 points still up for grabs.
“[Arsenal] are the best team in the world,” Guardiola said. “They are the best team right now and hopefully we can be close, getting better, and they can give us one chance to catch them.”
Midfielder Rodri has struggled for form since recovering from injury, and was sent off in midweek for stopping two dangerous Bodo counterattacks in quick succession.
“I know the reason why we are struggling now,” Guardiola said. “I know 100%. It’s been 11 months. Give him more time. Our standards are so high and I know the reason why we are a little bit inconsistent. I’m pretty sure, yes but that depends on the team as well and not just him.”
City brought in reinforcements this month to address issues with the squad. Antoine Semenyo was followed by England defender Marc Guehi, whom City had released from the remainder of his Crystal Palace contract for a £20m fee. Guardiola said he expected the player to start against Wolves.
“Yes, yes,” Guardiola said. “Really good considering he is a central defender. Really good.”
After accusing his side of being fragile this week, the Spaniard said he knew “how it will be solved”.
“It’s not just one player but he [Guehi] is going to help us because he’s exceptional. He’s a player for England, he won the FA Cup and made an incredible season. I have a feeling yes, but fragility is not just about one player. I know what the solution is to not have the fragility.”
