Pep Guardiola has launched an impassioned and detailed defence of his Manchester City squad, squarely blaming a torrid week of results on what he describes as an 'unsustainable' injury crisis. The manager's comments come after a chastening period for the Premier League champions, which included a disappointing defeat in Norway and a loss in the Manchester derby.
A Week to Forget for the Champions
The club's difficult week began with a tepid 2-0 loss to rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, a performance that Guardiola himself admitted was surprising. This was swiftly followed by what star striker Erling Haaland labelled an 'embarrassing' 3-1 Champions League defeat away to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. In a gesture to disappointed fans, the club refunded the tickets of all 374 supporters who made the long trip to Norway for that match.
Guardiola's Forceful Defence and Injury Explanation
Facing intense scrutiny, Guardiola was unequivocal in his assessment. 'I know the reason why we're struggling now, I know 100 per cent what happened with the team,' he stated emphatically. He pinpointed a severe lack of available players as the core issue, revealing that City currently have at least seven first-team players sidelined. This depleting list includes key figures like winger Jeremy Doku and defender Nathan Ake, who was unable to play in Norway despite warming up.
'For one day we can solve it, for two days we can solve it. But for a long time it’s unsustainable,' Guardiola explained, highlighting the cumulative effect. 'We have five central defenders, but if you have one available, you have one. All I ask is to have the team back. After that, I swear, we will be there.'
Fatigue and a Lack of Rotation
The manager also pointed to fatigue as a critical factor, linking it directly to the injury problems. He recalled how, during December, he was forced to consistently pick the same starting XI in the pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. This lack of rotation, he argues, has taken a physical toll on his squad. 'They are fatigued, like last season we cannot rotate the teams,' Guardiola lamented. 'When we have [the squad fit], most of them, we were there - seven, eight victories in a row.'
While new signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are available, and captain Bernardo Silva returns from a European suspension, the treatment room remains busy. Nico Gonzalez is a potential returnee next week, though it would be a risk, while Savinho is still facing several more weeks out.
Responding to Critics and Respecting Opponents
Guardiola hit out at critics who questioned the loss to Bodo/Glimt, who recorded their first-ever Champions League victory against City. He defended the Norwegian side's quality, reminding detractors they reached the Europa League semi-finals last season. 'I’m pretty sure the guys who said, "Ah how did they lose at Bodo", they didn't see one damn game of Bodo, and Bodo is an exceptionally top team, especially there,' he said, accusing some of lacking respect for the opponent.
The manager also referenced the tight Champions League group, noting that while City's 13 points is considered a 'disaster', eight teams including world champions Chelsea have the same tally. He reserved high praise for Arsenal, who City trail by seven points, calling them 'the best team in the world'.
Looking Ahead to a Crucial Period
With their Champions League qualification now reliant on other results to avoid a playoff, Guardiola has framed Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolves as a 'final'. His central plea remains simple: 'The only thing I ask is just this... Give me the team, please. Be fit, that's all I ask.' The coming weeks will reveal if City can navigate this injury crisis and rediscover the form that made them champions.
