Pep Guardiola: I Couldn't Lift Manchester City Players

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola takes full responsibility for the team's poor form, admitting he couldn't lift the players.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for the team's dismal performance this season. Despite being the reigning champions, Manchester City has struggled to find their footing, securing only two wins in their last 10 Premier League matches.

The consequences of this poor run are evident in the standings, with Manchester City languishing in sixth place with 31 points from Premier League 19 games. This puts them a staggering 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand and are pulling away from the competition.

Manchester City's title defense has been severely impacted by a string of injuries to key players. The likes of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, goalkeeper Ederson, and defenders John Stones and Ruben Dias have all been sidelined, disrupting the team's rhythm and momentum.

Pep Guardiola has taken responsibility for the team's struggles, acknowledging that he has not been able to get the best out of his players. “There are many, many things and I missed something - something I am not doing well,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's home game against 13th-placed West Ham United.

Guardiola emphasized that the blame lies with him, rather than the players. “In the end, when you lose a lot of games, it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take,” he said. “There is something the team needs and confidence, and I was not able to do it. The call is on me first, it's not the players. They naturally drop a little bit and that is normal. It happened a little bit last season as well.”

Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he takes full responsibility for Manchester City's underwhelming performance this season. “I blame (myself). It's not to say, 'Oh, how nice is Pep' - it's the truth. I lead that group of players and I could not lift them. This is the reality,” Guardiola stated, emphasizing his role in the team's struggles.

Manchester City will aim to build on their recent 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Leicester City when they face West Ham United on Saturday. A second consecutive victory would provide a much-needed boost to the team's morale and momentum as they seek to revive their title defense.