Cristiano Ronaldo has candidly told Manchester City’s players that their ongoing struggles are their responsibility.
Man City’s form has plummeted this season, with just one win in their last 13 games across all competitions.
Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, they trail leaders Liverpool by a staggering 14 points, leaving their title defense in tatters.
Pep Guardiola’s squad has been plagued by injuries and the effects of an aging core, with these factors largely blamed for their poor performances.
However, Ronaldo has shifted the focus squarely onto the players themselves.
The Portuguese superstar acknowledged City’s ability to recover from this rough patch but insisted that the squad must take accountability and raise their performance levels.
Ronaldo’s comments come as Guardiola faces increasing pressure to rejuvenate his team amid this unprecedented slump.
Man City’s next test comes against Leicester City, with fans hoping for a response to the criticism and a turn in their fortunes.
Speaking after the Global Soccer Awards, Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Teams always have their good and bad moments. Now Manchester City have gone through a bad moment.
“But they will come back. I would tell City to their players that they have to show more and not talk now. The great players know where the problem is.”
Ronaldo himself might have been part of Manchester City’s squad had things unfolded differently.
In 2021, following a fallout with Juventus management, the Portuguese forward sought a new club and was heavily linked with a move to City.
However, he ultimately opted to rejoin Manchester United, a decision that stirred significant controversy.
Ronaldo’s second stint at United lasted just 18 months, ending after a highly publicised interview with Piers Morgan.
In the interview, Ronaldo revealed he had been “close” to signing for Man City before choosing their bitter rivals.
“I think it was the key, it was the difference in that moment, but I cannot be loyal if I will, I wouldn’t say that Manchester City wasn’t close. I spoke with [Ferguson],” Ronaldo said.
“He said to me that, ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City,’ and I say, ‘OK, boss.’
“Well, honestly, it [joining City] was close… It’s something they spoke [about] a lot and [City manager Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me.”
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