Pep Guardiola has shouldered full responsibility for Manchester City's dramatic downturn this season, insisting the failure to arrest the slide is his alone. The Premier League champions suffered nine defeats in 13 matches across all competitions before last weekend's 2-0 win at Leicester City.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's home clash with West Ham United, the Catalan admitted he had been unable to lift his players during their worst run of his nine-year reign. 'I lead that group of players and I could not lift them. This is the reality,' Guardiola said.
While acknowledging factors such as a lengthy injury list, ageing stars and a natural drop in intensity after years of dominance, Guardiola refused to deflect blame. '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.'
The 54-year-old, who has won 18 trophies at the Etihad Stadium, described his side's performance at Leicester as unimpressive but hopes the result can provide a turning point. 'Sometimes you need a change, something in the mind, head, to recover some aspects, a lift, and this is what I need right now,' he added.
City are looking to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since October when the Hammers visit the Etihad. Guardiola admitted the team are not at the level of recent seasons but believes the victory can restore belief.
