Pep Guardiola reaction - Manchester City boss gives his verdict on defeat at Aston Villa

Pep Guardiola watched on in despair as his Manchester City side lost yet again, this time 2-1 at Aston Villa, as the four-time reigning Premier League champions are crumbling.

They have now won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.

City went behind to Jhon Duran’s early goal after a torrid start to the game and although they recovered a little and created some chances, they never looked comfortable defensively and Villa were so dangerous on the counter as Morgan Rogers finished things off in the second half.

Guardiola looked devastated, frustrated and bemused throughout as City never got to grips with Villa’s counter attacks and were shocking defensively with gaps opening up all over the place.

What did Pep Guardiola say after Manchester City’s defeat at Aston Villa?

Guardiola laments Man City's loss to Aston Villa Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shares his takeaways from his side's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in Matchweek 17.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke to TNT Sports in the UK after the defeat at Aston Villa

“We make a really good first half, second half we dropped. We changed our pressing for the reason John [Stones] could not continue. Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going,” Guardiola said. “In the mid-block they [Villa] are so strong. We have good moments, we had chances, more chances than in the [Manchester] United game, but in the second half we dropped and our pressing was not good enough. We struggled a little bit and we could not drop them well. We found a goal in the end, but too late. We struggle to score and we concede goals.”

Guardiola was asked by the BBC if City can find results.

“Yeah. It can come, it can not come. It depends on us. The solution is bring the players back. We have just one central defender fit, that is difficult. We are going to try next game - another opportunity and we don’t think much further than that,” Guardiola said.

The BBC also asked him whether there are deeper reasons for poor results other than injuries.

“Of course there are more reasons. We concede the goals we don’t concede in the past, we [don’t] score the goals we score in the past. Football is not just one reason. There are a lot of little factors,” Guardiola said. “Aston Villa are a team that are doing well in the Champions League, Premier League as well. It is a tough place to come. Last season we won the Premier League, but we came here and lost. We have to think positive and I have incredible trust in the guys. Some of them have incredible pride and desire to do it. We have to find a way, step by step, sooner or later to find a way back.”

Guardiola confirmed that Stones couldn’t carry on due to injury, while he admitted he has to change his approach to get City back to winning ways.

“Yeah. I have to do it,” Guardiola said. “Back my players, that is what will be different.”

He was also asked how City get their confidence back.

“Step by step, we have nice personalities in the team and sooner or later we are going to find it,” Guardiola said.

Erling Haaland on City’s confidence levels, belief in Guardiola

Extended HLs: Aston Villa v. Man City Matchweek 17 Manchester City's collapse shows no signs of slowing down as Aston Villa dominant Pep Guardiola's side at Villa Park in Matchweek 17.

Asked by TNT Sports about City’s confidence levels, Erling Haaland said the following.

“Of course, not the best. We know how important confidence is and you can see that it affects every human being. That is how it is, we have to continue and stay positive even though it is difficult,” Haaland said.

He also said “it’s not good enough, it’s not good enough from me” when talking about the defeat at Aston Villa.

But Haaland is keeping the belief in Pep Guardiola and believes he can find a way to turn this around.

“He won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that. He will find the solutions. He has been doing that every single year. We still believe in him, we have to work harder than ever right now,” Haaland added.

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