Following Manchester City's recent Champions League defeat against Juventus, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the challenges his team faces. The match, which saw Juventus secure a 2-0 victory, has left City in a precarious position in the Champions League standings, and Guardiola recognizes the need for his team to fight and persevere.
Guardiola expressed that his team will "have to suffer" against a strong Juventus side. He anticipates a difficult match, highlighting Juventus' tactical strength and defensive organization. He acknowledged Juventus' deserved victory, stating that they defended as a team and were ready to attack with quality. He added that Juventus has shown they can compete at this level and now they have to do it consistently.
Despite the loss, Guardiola maintained a positive outlook, stating he was proud of his players' efforts and commitment. He noted that they played "really, really good" but missed the final pass and action. He also pointed out that his team created chances but struggled to score, and felt that every attack they conceded seemed dangerous.
The defeat against Juventus marked City's seventh loss in their last ten games across all competitions, raising concerns about their form. Guardiola admitted to questioning himself after the defeat. With their current standing at 22nd place, securing a spot in the top eight and automatic qualification for the last 16 appears challenging. They face a battle to remain in the top 24 and secure a play-off spot.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola is urging his team to stay positive. He emphasized the importance of maintaining stability during difficult moments, finding solutions, and trusting in their style of play. He dismissed suggestions that his players were suffering from a loss of confidence, disagreeing with Ilkay Gundogan's assessment. Guardiola affirmed that apart from one or two games, his team has been performing well.
Looking ahead, Guardiola acknowledged the need to secure points in their remaining Champions League matches. The team aims to earn at least a point from the upcoming game against Paris to improve their chances of advancing in the competition.
The players recognize the need to improve their performance in crucial moments. Gundogan emphasized the significance of doing the simple things well, creating fluidity, and working hard to regain confidence.
Despite the current challenges, Guardiola remains confident in his team's ability to bounce back. He believes that by staying positive, addressing their weaknesses, and maintaining their commitment, Manchester City can overcome this difficult period and achieve their goals.
