Guardiola Dismisses Mental Issues At Manchester City

Pep Guardiola rejects the mental issue at Manchester City after losing to Juventus (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Manchester City returned from Turin empty-handed. They lost 0-2 to Juventus in the sixth match of the 2024/2025 Champions League, Thursday, December 12, 2024, early morning WIB.

After the match, Ilkay Gundogan had said that self-confidence was a big part of the team's struggle. However, the problem is that mental issues are hitting Manchester City.

The comments rolled out because The Citizens dominated the game at the opponent's headquarters, but were no more effective.

Responding to the player's statement, Pep Guardiola immediately denied it.

"I don't agree with Ilkay. Of course it's difficult, except for one or two games in this period that weren't good, the rest we played well."

"We are very aggressive in our high pressure (against Juventus). It was a cross (for the first goal) and (Dusan) Vlahovic was strong in this position."

"I don't think it was a defensive error. We missed the last pass, suddenly in the penalty box and he (Vlahovic) had peace of mind and took advantage of the moment."

"However, we are the best. I love my team," said Guardiola.

Manchester City's second defeat to Juventus in the Champions League this season.

The problem is, The Citizens didn't have a positive trend in the previous five matches. They won twice, drew twice, and lost once against Sporting CP (1-4).

The result made Manchester City ranked 22nd with eight points. There are still two remaining matches in the group phase and Guardiola is targeting to qualify for the round of 16.

The possibility is still open, but thin. Especially if you are eyeing a landslide, go straight to the knockout phase, aka the top eight of the standings.

The next two Manchester City parties must face the strong Paris Saint-Germain team and the Belgian club, Club Brugge in January 2025.

Guardiola are determined to wipe out the remaining two games with a win.

"(Loss) is the target. We need one point, three points. Go to Paris to try to do so and then the last game is at home," said the Spaniard.