Man City need to ´change things quickly´ – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola conceded Manchester City need to “change things quickly” after they suffered a fourth consecutive loss in all competitions against Brighton.

It is the first time the Spaniard has lost four games in a row in his managerial career, while the last time City suffered four consecutive defeats was back in August 2006, under Stuart Pearce.

Erling Haaland had given the visitors a first-half lead, but two quickfire goals from substitutes Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley turned the match on its head, with Brighton the better side in the second half.

In fact, City have lost a Premier League game in which they led at half-time for the first time since May 2021, and that defeat also came away to Brighton.

And Guardiola suggested his team, who have been rocked by injuries, are simply finding matters too tough.

“We are not able to do 90 minutes right now,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “We played a really good first half and moments in the second half.

“We lost again, so clean our heads, international break and hopefully our players come back fit.

1 – Pep Guardiola has lost four games in a row in all competitions for the very first time in his managerial career, while Manchester City have lost four straight games for the first time since August 2006, when Stuart Pearce was manager of the club. Unthinkable. pic.twitter.com/yAnz6ct8dn

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 9, 2024

“We have to try and win games again. We were not able to sustain the rhythm in the second half. Four [defeats] in a row. We have to change things quickly.

“The schedule becomes tough, but it is going to happen when the players come back. Maybe after seven years, winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserve it. We’ll see.”

City have conceded 10 goals during their losing streak, managing just four goals of their own in that time.

The reigning Premier League champions have more tough games coming up, with Tottenham and Liverpool their next opponents in the top flight, and Kyle Walker believes the international break may have come at the right time.

“There are slight moments that aren’t rubbing off in our favour. Certain challenges we’re arriving a little late for. That’s the period we’re going through. The break is coming at the right time,” he said.

“There are many reasons. It’s form, it’s how we’re feeling on a day to day. It’s tough. We’ve been fortunate to have success here in the last eight years. This is the time you show character and stick your boots on and go through the mud. Now we get to see the real characters and want to push forward and achieve something special.

“We’ve never gone four games without a wi. Still, it’s tough to take. Everyone wants to turn it around.”