Manchester City: Pep Guardiola admits responsibility as English Premier League side’s struggles deepen

Manchester United's English defender #05 Harry Maguire runs with the ball from Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland during the English Premier League. Photo / AFP

Pep Guardiola admitted he did not see Manchester City’s staggering collapse in form coming after conceding twice late on to lose 2-1 to Manchester United on Sunday (Monday NZ time).

City have won just once in 11 games in all competitions, a run that includes eight defeats.

After an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles, City’s defence of their crown looks over before Christmas.

Guardiola’s men trail leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, by nine points and sit outside the Champions League places in fifth.

“I don’t have defence, I’m the boss, I’m the manager. I have to find a solution and I don’t find a solution,” said Guardiola.

“This is a big club, when you lose eight out of 11, something wrong is happening. What can I say? The schedule is tough, the injured players? No.

“I’m the boss, I’m the manager and I’m not good enough. It’s as simple as that.”

The manner of City’s latest loss was one of the most damaging as the English champions were headed for a much-needed victory against their local rivals thanks to Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header.

However, they self-imploded as Matheus Nunes’ slack pass played in Amad Diallo and the Portuguese midfielder then chopped down the United winger in his attempt to make amends.

Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot to equalise on 88 minutes.

Diallo then raced on to a simple long ball over the top to complete a remarkable turnaround and deepen a spiralling crisis for the club that has dominated English football over the past decade.

“I am sitting here in the press conference because of what we have done in the past,” added Guardiola.

“I knew that it would be a tough season. From the beginning, I said many times. Even when we were winning.

“But I didn’t expect it would be so hard, like it is right now.”

City midfielder Bernardo Silva was even more critical of his side’s malaise, comparing their mistakes in the final minutes to an under-15s team.

“At this level, a game or two is unlucky. We can’t say this is lucky or unlucky – it’s not about that,” said the Portugal international.

“If we make these stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go you deserve to pay for that. Today in the last minute we played like under-15s.”