Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City may be forced to consider his position if he cannot reverse their recent slump.
Guardiola, who has led the club to six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, is enduring his worst run of results at City, with the team winless in their last six matches.
Speaking ahead of a pivotal clash against Liverpool, Guardiola admitted the stakes are high at a club with City’s ambitions.
“Here, you have to win,” Guardiola said. “If you don’t, you’re in trouble. I know people ask, ‘Why isn’t Pep sacked?’ It’s because of what we’ve done in the last eight years. That’s why I have this margin.”
Guardiola has been in regular discussions with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and director of football Txiki Begiristain. Despite the pressure, he remains confident in his ability to steer the team back on course.
“We talk after games, and we’re all aligned on finding solutions,” he added. “If circumstances don’t change, the club will make the decision they need to. But I want the chance to rebuild and fix things.”
The Spaniard reiterated his commitment to staying and leading a resurgence. He dismissed the idea of walking away, instead framing the current challenges as an opportunity to rebuild the squad.
“I want to stay and take on this challenge,” he said. “I know what we need to do. Right now, we lack the consistency we had, but no team in the world maintains it over a decade.
“What we’ve achieved in these ten years is exceptional.”
City face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – a match that could see the Reds extend their lead over Guardiola’s side to 11 points.
Guardiola has pointed to injuries, including the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, as key factors in their recent struggles. Despite the setbacks, Guardiola insists he has the hunger to push forward.
“I’ve asked for this challenge,” Guardiola said. “I know it’s difficult, but I believe we can find our consistency again and build for the future.”
