Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is “not good enough” to solve the Premier League club’s mounting problems after two late Manchester United goals consigned them to a dramatic 2-1 derby loss at the Etihad Stadium.
City unravelled spectacularly at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Amad Diallo struck a 90th-minute winner for the visitors just moments after Bruno Fernandes had levelled from the penalty spot.
City have won just once in 11 games in all competitions, a run that includes eight defeats.
After an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles, City’s defence of their crown looks over before Christmas.
Guardiola’s men trail leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, by nine points and sit outside the Champions League places in fifth.
Speaking after Sunday’s game, Guardiola said: “I don’t have defence. I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions but I don’t find solutions,” he said in his press conference.
“This is a big club, when you lose eight out of 11, something wrong is happening. What can I say? The schedule is tough, the injured players? No.
“I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press.
Guardiola signed a new two-year contract in November, saying he did not feel he could leave the club at a difficult time, but the crisis has spiralled since then and he is now facing questions over how and when he can reverse their fortunes.
The former Barcelona manager added: “I’m here. I’m responsible. It would be easy for me to say we lost because of this action or this player or this situation but football is a team game.
“I’m completely convinced in what I’m saying, that I’m not good enough to find a way for them to feel peace in their bodies and their minds. I want it desperately. I’m here to try and I will try again and again but that is the reality.
“I knew it would be a tough season but I didn’t expect so hard.”
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