Bayer Leverkusen, manager Pep Guardiola addressed the Premier League title battle. A 2‑0 loss at Newcastle earlier in the season left City seven points behind league leaders Arsenal, who have lost only once in twelve games.
We cannot lose games, absolutely – that is the truth,” Guardiola said. “They are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid… That’s why you have to be up there and this is what we will try to do.”
City’s defeat at Newcastle was their fourth of the campaign. Guardiola acknowledged that while the team created more chances than in previous seasons, the result was still a setback.
We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than previous seasons and it was quite good, but we lost. Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season.”
The manager also criticised his side’s performance in the midweek Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, where a heavily rotated line‑up was beaten 2‑0.
We didn’t try. In football when you play on the green you have to try things and we didn’t try. We played not to make mistakes, not to play to do something – that is so difficult. In football you have to play offensive and you have to try… they played to be safe.”
Guardiola said the players who started against Leverkusen lacked confidence, though he still has “a huge value” in them.
I have a lot of confidence in them, still right now I have a lot. I have a huge value in what they are as football players, and that maybe is higher than (they have) themselves.”
He added that the fans’ muted reaction was understandable, taking responsibility himself for the poor showing.
City travel to face struggling Leeds United on Saturday. Midfielder Rodri remains unavailable but is expected to return soon.
The comments come as City sit seven points off Arsenal’s lead, with the Premier League season still long and the Champions League group stage continuing. Guardiola’s message is clear: any further errors could be costly in the chase
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