In the aftermath of their Club World Cup triumph in Jeddah, Manchester City now finds themselves under the shadow of skepticism and scrutiny. City boss Pep Guardiola, aware of the lurking critics, acknowledged that people are just waiting to pounce at the slightest stumble of his team. The Spaniard stepped into the spotlight and vented his frustration by calling out the poor results lately as a ‘disaster.’
As City readies for battle at Goodison Park, the whispers of doubt surrounding their recent form have grown. However, Guardiola, often on the receiving end of praise and critique, stands defiant to dismantle the criticism hovering over his team.
Pep Guardiola slams critics after string of draws in the Premier League
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They might have added another trophy to their cabinet, but Guardiola knows that success is a double-edged sword. Manchester City’s recent PL struggles, with only one win in six games, have shadowed their title ambitions. Guardiola, however, believes there’s hypocrisy in the analysis his team receives. While the soccer world showers praise on City’s style of play, it all goes down when the results don’t align in their favor.
Pep Guardiola: "Contra Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Tottenham, é uma prova real de que eles [os críticos] não se importam com a forma como jogamos. Jogamos de forma bastante semelhante aos melhores níveis que jogamos nos últimos 8 anos. Mas não vencemos, então é uma crise, um…
— City Xtra Português (@City_XtraPT) December 26, 2023
“The people say, ‘How good they play, the methodology, how genius it is,’ but it’s because I win,” Guardiola asserts. The gap between appreciation for their style and ruthless judgment during a slump is a paradox that Guardiola finds confusing.
“When we played incredibly well against Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Tottenham and we don’t win, it’s the real proof that they don’t care about the way we play. We played quite similar to the best levels we have played these past eight years. But we don’t win, so it’s a crisis, a disaster,” Pep Guardiola claimed.
Guardiola staunchly defended his side’s display in draws against Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea. He claimed that they played ‘incredibly well’ in these fixtures. However, the absence of a victory has dismantled the complete narrative, which left Guardiola grappling with the perception that their form is nothing short of a disaster.
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Guardiola warned rivals of Manchester City’s title-challenging threat
The Manchester City boss sent a resounding warning to all the Premier League clubs and rivals that it would be a mistake to write them off in the title race. The Spanish manager is still motivated to win more silverware at the club before his contract ends in 2025. “Around the corner is another competition, and you have to try it again. The satisfaction of what we have done will remain, but we have to do it again,” Guardiola stated.
If Manchester City successfully defends the Premier League crown this season, it would be a historic and record-breaking fourth consecutive triumph for Citizens. As Guardiola’s men step onto Goodison Park for action, they’ll be focused on returning stronger after their slump in the league.
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