City's Guardiola Unfazed by Back-to-Back Defeats

Pep Guardiola 

Pep Guardiola remains calm despite Manchester City's back-to-back defeats, citing the long season ahead.

“We have a really good squad and of course we changed many things from the past to...”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment after his team's 2-1 defeat to Brighton, stating they're “not good enough.” The Cityzens had a promising start, dominating possession and creating chances, with Erling Haaland scoring his 88th Premier League goal in his 100th appearance. Haaland's goal came after a well-placed pass from Mateo Kovacic, which the Norwegian striker finished with ease past Brighton's goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Turning Point

Despite controlling the game for most of the first half and beyond, City's lead was canceled out by a James Milner penalty after Matheus Nunes committed a clear handball in the box. This moment marked a shift in momentum, allowing Brighton to push forward and equalize the score. The hosts continued to apply pressure, eventually finding the winner through Brajan Gruda's composed finish after rounding City's goalkeeper James Trafford.

Post-Match Reaction

Guardiola reflected on the loss, emphasizing the need for improvement, particularly from his older players. Kyle Walker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of senior players guiding the team through challenging periods. Walker stated, “It's time where us as the senior members have to pull the players through who haven’t been here for a while and show them the foundations of this Club.” With key players sidelined due to injuries, City will look to regroup and return stronger after the international break.

As Brighton's pressure intensified, Manchester City struggled to keep up, ultimately succumbing to Brajan Gruda's impressive individual effort, which sealed the win for the Seagulls with a late goal. This marked a significant turnaround in the match, with Brighton capitalizing on City's lapses to secure a 2-1 victory. Gruda's goal showcased his skill and composure, as he broke through City's defense and scored into an empty net, highlighting Brighton's potent counter-attacking capabilities.

“We concede the goal and after that, it (the momentum) shifted,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “Until then it was really, really good, we had chances and the team looked aggressive and dynamic.”

Full-time.

🔵 2-1 🖤 @okx pic.twitter.com/jdBbb6ZfWd

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2025

“We made a good hour and then after the last half an hour, we were not good. We forgot to pass the ball, just played long balls and we were not good enough. It is what it is.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola opted to play midfielder Rodri for the full 90 minutes, despite the team's struggles. Guardiola acknowledged that the changes he made to his squad last season and this have led to an adjustment period for the players. “We have a really good squad and of course we changed many things from the past to now, which is normal,” Guardiola said. “We need the new players to adapt and we need the older ones to help them to cope.”

Guardiola's Assessment

Guardiola's comments highlight the challenges City faces as they integrate new players into the team. With several key players adapting to new roles, the team is still finding its rhythm. Guardiola emphasized the importance of experienced players guiding the newcomers, allowing them to learn and grow together. This approach, he believes, will ultimately help City regain their form and competitiveness in the league.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remains unfazed by his team's consecutive losses, emphasizing that the season is still in its early stages. After back-to-back defeats, including a recent loss to Brighton, Guardiola said, “The season has just started. There is a long, long season ahead of us. We will see what happens.” This calm approach reflects his confidence in his team's abilities, despite currently sitting outside the top positions.

Pep's thoughts following today's game 💬 pic.twitter.com/0A3ivtjWn2

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2025

Upcoming Fixtures

City's schedule is set to get even more intense, with key matches looming on the horizon. They'll host local rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on September 14, before traveling to face Arsenal on September 21. These matches will be crucial tests for City as they look to regroup and find their winning form. Given the team's history with Manchester United, this upcoming derby promises to be an exciting encounter, with City seeking to bounce back from recent losses.