Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City’s current slump is unlike anything he has experienced during his time at the Etihad, following a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.
The reigning champions were dismantled on home turf as Spurs raced into a two-goal lead within the first 20 minutes, courtesy of clinical finishes from James Maddison.
Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson added to the scoreline after the break, condemning City to their first home defeat in 53 matches.
Man City’s pursuit of a historic fifth consecutive league title now hangs in the balance after another damaging setback.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola lamented his side’s defensive vulnerabilities, which have become a recurring issue in recent weeks.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “In this moment we are fragile defensively.
“We started really well as normal but we could not score and then after that we conceded.
“After that we conceded some more which is difficult for our emotions right now.
“In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation.
‘Now we have to live it and break it winning the next games, especially the next one.
‘Now we see things in one way, maybe in a few weeks we see it differently.”
Guardiola added: “Of course Rodri is important but we knew that for many months.
“But Stones can only play 45 minutes. Jack has been injured many times. Kevin, two months and five months.
“We have to come back and freshen our minds. The season is so long. Many things can happen.
“Before the game I didn’t know what will happen today.
“So I don’t know what will happen at Anfield. Everyone knows the situation is new for us.
“We struggled more without the ball. I don’t know how many chances we created. Our game was there.”
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