Guardiola Indicates Potential Departure from Man City if He Loses Player Support
Click to start listening
Manchester, Dec 15 (NationPress) As the crucial Manchester Derby is set to unfold at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that he might consider departing from the club if he no longer has the backing of the dressing room.
"When I feel it is time to leave, I will leave. If I find myself experiencing a prolonged period of defeats, I will say, 'Guys, it’s time for someone else to step in and address these issues,' because it can't go on forever.
"The moment I sense I've lost the team, when I see they aren’t exerting themselves or following my lead, that’s when I would know it's time to go. But right now, I am more committed than ever. There’s no question about that. The greatest feat has already been accomplished. We have been the best.
"This experience has made me realize how challenging our past accomplishments were, and when we return to form, it will truly be unforgettable. We want success, and while we strive for it, we are currently unable to achieve it,” Guardiola remarked, as reported by Daily Mail.
The Spanish tactician recently extended his contract, securing his position with the club until 2027.
Guardiola's squad is currently facing an injury crisis, particularly in defense, with John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji all sidelined due to injuries. The most significant blow has been the absence of Rodri, who is hoping to make a comeback before the season concludes after suffering a ruptured ACL in his right knee during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September.
Since Rodri’s injury, City has managed to win only one of their last ten matches, slipping from the top of the Premier League standings to fifth place, trailing league leaders Liverpool by nine points.
This period marks the toughest stretch in Guardiola's managerial career. After guiding the Cityzens to four consecutive Premier League titles, the Spaniard confessed in a recent press conference that he is uncertain about how to rectify the situation.
"I don’t know what I need to do. I require players. We have three available, but we will see how things unfold. Perhaps a winger will need to fill in as a full-back, or we might deploy five defenders. We are contemplating our options, but the team’s spirit is still intact. I feel for the players,” Guardiola stated in a press conference.
