Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has openly acknowledged his team's recent struggles, stating that "everything is going wrong" following a disappointing defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. In a candid post-match assessment, Guardiola highlighted the need for a significant turnaround as City's form continues to falter.
Guardiola's Frank Admission on City's Poor Run
Speaking after the match, Guardiola did not mince words about Manchester City's performance. "We have to come back - the results since 2025 have not been good, in terms of the Premier League and now today," he said. The manager emphasised that despite the setbacks, the team must push forward with upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Galatasaray.
"We have the feeling everything is going wrong, the details, but we have to try and change that," Guardiola added, reflecting on the team's current predicament. He pointed out that while Manchester United recently beat City and were superior, Bodo/Glimt capitalised on their momentum in this encounter.
Injuries and Squad Absences Cited as Factors
Guardiola apportioned a considerable amount of blame for the defeat to the absence of key players. He noted, "We don't have Savinho, Jeremy, our wingers. In other departments, we have players not here, and they would give us more consistency." This reference to missing personnel underscores the challenges City faces with a depleted squad.
The manager also acknowledged Bodo/Glimt's organisation and quality, stating, "They were well organised. We struggled a little bit. They were really good, and we congratulate them." He reminded everyone that Bodo/Glimt reached the Europa League semi-finals last season, a fact fresh in mind, and did not underestimate their capabilities.
Looking Ahead to Crucial Matches
Despite the loss, Guardiola expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back. "I don't have any doubts in this competition; nothing is taken for granted, that is for sure," he asserted. He highlighted that City fought with 10 players against 11 at times and stressed the importance of changing the dynamic for the next games.
"We have to change the dynamic for the next game against Wolves and against Galatasaray," Guardiola insisted. He contrasted the performance against Bodo/Glimt with the flat display against Manchester United, suggesting there were positive aspects to build upon despite the result.
This defeat comes as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of football, with recent Manchester City acquisition Antoine Semenyo costing approximately £20 million more than Bodo/Glimt's entire squad. Guardiola's comments signal a period of introspection and adjustment as City aims to regain their winning form in both domestic and European competitions.
