Pep Guardiola Admits He Knows Why Manchester City Are Struggling – and How to Fix It

Pep Guardiola has insisted he fully understands the reasons behind Manchester City’s recent struggles and remains confident that a solution is already clear within the club.

Speaking during his latest press conference, the Manchester City manager delivered a candid assessment of his side’s form following a damaging run of results, including a shock Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt and mounting pressure in Europe.

“I know the reason why we are struggling now. I know, 100 per cent, what’s happened with the team. I know it,” Guardiola stated, underlining his certainty despite City’s ongoing inconsistencies.

The Catalan coach urged patience, acknowledging that City’s Champions League position has fallen well short of expectations, particularly when compared with domestic rivals.

“Try to give a little bit more time. I know it’s a disaster having 13 points in the Champions League. Eighteen versus 13 points – one of them is one of the best teams in the world,” Guardiola explained, referencing Arsenal’s contrasting European form.

Guardiola admitted that City’s exceptionally high standards have magnified the sense of crisis around recent results, even as performances have not always reflected the final outcomes.

“For them it’s fine, for us it’s a disaster. I know our standards are so high and I know the reason why we are a little bit… not consistent or not taking the results that we are having,” he continued.

A key theme of Guardiola’s comments centred on what he described as “fragility” within his squad, an issue he believes cannot be solved through transfers alone.

“The fragility, I know how we solve it. The fragility will not be solved by just one player coming to help us, though the experience of Marc [Guehi] is exceptional,” Guardiola said, referencing City’s recent £20 million signing.

Guardiola praised Guehi’s leadership qualities and pedigree, noting his England international status and role as FA Cup-winning captain, but was clear that the defender alone is not a cure-all.

“The fragility is not just about one player. It would be nice, but it’s not just about that. I know the solution to not have that fragility – the players know it,” he added.

The comments suggest Guardiola believes the answers lie internally, through tactical refinement, mentality, and cohesion, rather than further major transfer-market intervention.

Conclusion

Pep Guardiola’s remarks reflect a manager under pressure but far from uncertain. While Manchester City’s recent form has raised serious questions, Guardiola remains adamant that the causes are understood and the solutions already exist within his squad. Whether those fixes can be implemented quickly enough to rescue City’s Champions League campaign and domestic ambitions now becomes the defining challenge.

FAQ

• Q: What did Pep Guardiola say about Manchester City’s struggles?
  A: Guardiola stated he knows “100 per cent” why City are struggling and believes the solution is already clear.
• Q: Is Guardiola blaming transfers for City’s issues?
  A: No. He stressed that City’s fragility cannot be solved by signing just one player.
• Q: What did Guardiola say about Marc Guehi?
  A: He praised Guehi’s experience and leadership but insisted he is not the sole solution to City’s problems.
• Q: How bad is City’s Champions League situation?
  A: Guardiola described City’s 13-point tally as a “disaster” by the club’s own high standards.