'It is not normal' - Pep Guardiola makes Man City sack claim amid Liverpool title race pressure
Pep Guardiola has admitted that his impressive track record has likely shielded him from being dismissed as Manchester City manager ahead of their clash against Liverpool. However, the City boss is adamant he won't "run away" and acknowledges that it's up to him to rectify the club's recent poor performances.
Following a worrying run of five consecutive losses - a record not seen since 2006 - City then experienced further dismay this Tuesday. Guardiola and Co. let go of a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes resulting in a draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League ahead of the clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
Guardiola, who signed a new contract with City earlier this month, understands that both pressure and stakes are escalating as his City team prepare to face the Reds in the Premier League. Liverpool are top of the table and eight points ahead of City going into the fixture.
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“At this football club you have to win and if you don’t win, you will be in trouble,” said Guardiola. “I know the people say, ‘Why is Pep not in trouble, why is Pep not sacked?’ What we have done the last eight years is why I have this margin.
“The people rely on me, the hierarchy, the people. It is not normal in the big clubs to do the results we have but we have to accept it. What’s for sure I want to stay, I want to do it. But the moment I feel I am not positive for the club another one will come. It has to be.”
City have been forced to deal with several injury concerns this season, in particular the absence of Rodri. The Ballon d'Or winner is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but Guardiola is adamant the club's current struggles cannot be put down to the injury to one player.
“We lost five games, drew the last one when we should have won, but it happens in football sometimes,” said the City boss. “A lot can happen and it’s happened. Don’t think much, go to the principles and when you live it, accept it – accept it and challenge it.
“No complaining, no blaming, no pointing – don’t run away from your responsibility. I have absolutely all on my shoulders. I have to and I want it. I want the opportunity to try. I don’t want to run. I want to be there and rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season and next season. I want to continue up there.
“It’s not nice to live, of course it’s not nice, but what do you expect? That everything is red carpet?
“It’s not an excuse that Rodri is not there. What are we going to do, cry all the time that Rodri is not there or that the four central defenders have not been there for a long time in the last month? I have to find a solution and the way to do it. I’m trying every day.”
Liverpool could extend their advantage over City to 11 points with a win at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. Guardiola, however, is not concern about the points gap between the two clubs for the time being.
“In the situation we have it’s not realistic to think about big targets,.” said Guardiola. "The situation is to think about one game and build the momentum to continue.”