Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to his team, stating they have virtually no room for further errors if they hope to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Title Race Pressure Mounts
The Spanish tactician's concerns follow City's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and last weekend's loss at Newcastle. These setbacks mark City's fourth league defeat this campaign, leaving them seven points behind an impressive Arsenal side that has suffered just one loss in twelve matches.
"We cannot lose games, absolutely, that is the truth," Guardiola stated during his Friday press conference. "Arsenal are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool against us and they were not going to drop many points."
Midweek Champions League Disappointment
Reflecting on the Newcastle match, Guardiola acknowledged some positive aspects despite the result. "We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than previous seasons and it was quite good, but we lost. Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season."
The midweek Champions League performance particularly concerned the manager, who made ten changes to his starting lineup against Bayer Leverkusen. Guardiola criticized his players for being too cautious, stating they "played not to make mistakes, not to play to do something, that is so difficult."
Looking Ahead to Leeds Clash
"I have a lot of confidence in them, still right now I have a lot," Guardiola said of the players who started against Leverkusen. "I have a huge value in what they are as football players, and that maybe is higher than they have themselves."
The City boss also addressed the subdued atmosphere during the Leverkusen match, showing understanding toward supporters. "As a fan I would not cheer my team, playing in the way we played. I don't blame them, I blame myself. Our fans make the effort to come to see us, and we are incredibly grateful."
Looking to Saturday's match against struggling Leeds, City will still be without midfielder Rodri, though Guardiola confirmed the Spanish international "would be back soon." With the title race heating up, every point becomes crucial for the defending champions.
