Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is grappling with one of the toughest periods of his tenure following a dramatic 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the derby at the Etihad Stadium. A late collapse, marked by two goals in two minutes from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes, left Guardiola visibly frustrated and questioning his own methods.
City initially led through Josko Gvardiol’s header in the 36th minute, but Guardiola’s concerns were evident even then, as the goal came from a deflected cross rather than the free-flowing style he prizes. By full-time, the reigning champions were left reeling from their inability to close out the game, with Guardiola lamenting: “I am not good enough. I am the boss, and I have to find solutions.”
The loss highlights City’s worrying decline this season, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ilkay Gundogan showing signs of age and fatigue. Meanwhile, previously reliable stars such as Phil Foden and Erling Haaland have struggled to replicate last season’s form. Guardiola’s creative force seems to have waned, with the team now lacking its usual sharpness and composure.
Guardiola’s frustration was compounded by defensive lapses, particularly during United’s late goals. Matheus Nunes’s error led to Diallo’s penalty-winning run, while poor positioning from goalkeeper Ederson allowed Diallo to score the winner from an acute angle.
The defeat leaves City nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, with their hopes of a record fifth consecutive title fading fast. Guardiola has admitted that a significant rebuild is needed, though he hinted that major changes may only come in the summer. For now, he says the team must “survive” the season, though even survival feels tenuous as cracks appear in every aspect of the squad.
