'I am not good enough', says Guardiola after Man Utd defeat

Pep Guardiola suggested "I am not good enough" after Manchester City saw derby victory snatched from under their noses by Manchester United.

Guardiola watched on as his side slipped to a late defeat against their Manchester rivals, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo striking in the last two minutes to cancel out Josko Gvardiol's earlier header.

City have only lost four of the 105 Premier League home games in which they have been ahead at half-time under the Spaniard, with half of those defeats coming against United.

The result leaves the Citizens fifth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, with the defeat the eighth in their last 11 games in all competitions.

And Guardiola, who saw his side register an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.91 from their 10 shots, believes he is not the right man to lead City through their recent slump.

"Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player," he said.

"We gave away goals, our fault. We don't play with composure. The results are not good. The game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand, but the reality is this.

"They have to know that these situations happen. In the box, you have to be careful. It's not about Matheus [Nunes], he played really well in what is not his usual position at full-back.

"But it's not about that, we have to play better. The way I learn is to keep going. I'm not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and, so far, I haven't. That's the reality.

"We want to play better, create chances. But, at the moment, it's not possible."

88 - Manchester City were leading until the 88th minute against Manchester United, but ended up losing 2-1 – the latest into a game that a reigning champion has led in the Premier League and lost. Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/9vwTcocgLw
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2024

City face Aston Villa in their next top-flight fixture, with games against Everton and Leicester City to come in December.

Guardiola acknowledged his side's recent form, suggesting their current crisis is getting increasingly desperate with every defeat.

"This year, it has happened many times, unfortunately. We gave away many things. We are not nice in the way we played," he continued.

"Before, it was so fluid. Now, we're struggling for different reasons. A lot of defeats. We put everything in and the game was almost closed.

"They had more possession in the first half, but nothing special. We gave away two goals. It's very difficult.

"It is what it is. What can I say? We can not blame this player or that one, it's not that. It's the season, a tough season.

"We have to move on and try to find the solution and try to win games. At the moment, we need results to lift our mood. It's getting worse and worse."