Four league defeats in a row, one win against Nottingham Forest (3-0), and then a series of four more games without a win – including a very painful loss to Manchester United (1-2) after goals in the 88th and 90th minutes. These have been Manchester City's worst weeks under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City fans supported Guardiola. Will the English champion return to winning ways?
The trainer himself also seemed unable to cope with the situation, which was completely new to him. The series of defeats at the turn of October and November was the first in his coaching career. Every statement he made, even his appearance, was under scrutiny – especially since he once left the locker room with visible abrasions on his face. At the same time, the thought that Manchester City could sack Guardiola seemed completely unrealistic – even knowing the temperament of some football officials.
On Sunday, Manchester City defeated Leicester and won 2-0, ending a streak of four matches without a win. After the match, Manchester City fans supported their coach with a chant.
- Say that you want me – Say that you want me
- All of the time – All the time
- Say that you need me – Say that you need me
- Always be mine – Always be mine
- Something we've got Guardiola, – Because we got Guardiola
- We've got Guardiola – We've got Guardiola
He noticed this, among others: Spanish “Sport”. “The fans took the opportunity to sing a chant that has been resounding at the Ethiad Stadium for years and which is especially important now, in the middle of the crisis. For City fans, Guardiola's presence at the club is a luxury more important than any series of bad results,” we read. The newspaper calls the song an “authentic love letter” from the fans to the coach.
And although Manchester City fans have many reasons to love Guardiola even despite a series of poor results, they probably hope that a win against Leicester will start a new, better series. The schedule favors this. In January, the English champions will play in the league with West Ham United (currently 13th place), Brentford FC (12th place), Ipswich Town (19th place) and Chelsea (4th place).