Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City could become the first club to sack him, but vowed to fight on through the most difficult period of his managerial career.
The Catalan manager has come under intense scrutiny of late, with City’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City on Saturday meaning he’s now won just one of his last five games in all competitions.
City have slipped seven points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, but ahead of their home game against Watford this evening, Guardiola put on a brave front, railing against the short-termism of the modern game.
“Long-term projects don’t exist in football. Of course, the club has to prepare in the long term, but the coaches, the managers, they have to win or something is going to happen,” he said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“I have never been sacked but when I came here, I knew I had to win immediately.
“It is unfair in many cases, but you know the big businesses in the world: if something doesn’t work you have to find a solution. Normally the guy who has to go is the guy who has to help the players reach the best level.
“I have enough energy to fight. But when it’s not going well, I will say, ‘Sorry guys, I was not able and another guy is coming here.’
“This kind of situation happens to all the managers around the world. To get better and win something you have to live with this kind of situation. It’s the first time in my life I don’t win for so long.
“I believe a lot in what I did in the past and I know I can do it here. I came here to prove myself.
“If it doesn’t happen, for the people it will be a big failure. A disaster. That’s OK. It’s part of the game. I go back to Catalunya and say all the best to Manchester City. But until the end of the day, I achieved what I achieved because I’m a fighter and I like these kind of things.”
City have lost their last two league matches, conceding seven goals in the process and Guardiola will be desperate for a confidence-boosting win against ninth-placed Watford at the Etihad tonight.
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