Pep Guardiola does not want any sympathy for himself or his Manchester City players during the worst run of his managerial career.
The City coach was overseen an unprecedented run of four consecutive Premier League defeats that has left his side out of the top four going into their latest match at home to Nottingham Forest.
“We don’t feel sorry for ourselves,” Guardiola said. “I don’t feel sorry for myself. It is what it is so I have to accept it.”
The Catalan coach reminded Liverpool supporters that he has won six Premier League titles for City, including the last four years in a row, as they chanted ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ during their latest defeat at Anfield.
And he insisted he will not discuss their hopes in this season’s title race talk until or if they get back to winning ways. He added: “The results we have had in the past, to think about the big targets, it will be a big mistake.”
Not that the Catalan coach is conceding defeat in his quest for silverware. His mood was defiant in his press conference ahead of the Forest match when he stated: “With all of the squad this season, we will be close to the level that we reached last season.”
Injuries have played a huge part in City’s dip. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is out for the season and fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been unable to play regularly. Asked when the Belgian will be ready to start again, the City boss claimed: “He is closer and even better, the last few days he is even better.”
Guardiola closed by calling on all City fans to stay behind the team in their hour of need. He said: “They know what the team has done in the last decade – many good moments we live together. They know that we absolutely need the support because all of us, especially the players, are human. Of course, they are willing to give everything to change the dynamic.”
