Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola admits to errors at Man City

The Manchester City manager admits that he has had to adapt to the Premier League and appreciates that the reason he went to England was to change.

Update:
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola
JUSTIN TALLISAFP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken responsibility for the club's recent inconsistent form and said he is still getting to know his players and how best to use them.

City made a flying start under Guardiola, winning their first 10 games in all competitions, but have won just nine times in 21 matches since, a run which has left them fourth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides fourth goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match
Full screen
Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides fourth goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round matchIan WaltonGetty Images

Bad ideas

"At times my ideas were not good, because I'm still getting to know the players, to know what is the best position, the best way to play, to adapt to them," Guardiola told British media.

"Sometimes I have an idea: three at the back or play a player in a certain way, and sometimes it didn't work. And, when that happens, I never complain to the players. Because I see them training, how they suffer.

"You have to look at yourself and see what you have to do to help them find each other and play to each other more fluently, not all the time with an aggressiveness," he added.

"That is my job. I have to help them and I tell them that. And most of the times we were not good, it was my responsibility."

Guardiola said he will have to adapt to the English game and tweak the tactics, which have served him so well during trophy-laden spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Change is good

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Full screen
Manchester City manager Pep GuardiolaToby MelvilleREUTERS

"I'm not going to change England and I don't want to do that. Of course, it's going to change me. That's why I came here -- to be changed. That is nice," the Spaniard added.

"When I do the same thing all my career, 15 or 20 years as a coach, it's boring. I would still be in Barcelona, my home and with these players I would be there. But every country has his own personality, his own way to play. And that is marvellous.

"That's why football is amazing. And, of course, I come here and I said a thousand million times, I am trying to adapt to English football in the way I believe you can do that."