Pep Guardiola gets brutal with Man City squad and calls them out before Forest clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged his players to let their performances do the talking, rather than making bold statements on social media.

Following Sunday’s heavy defeat at Liverpool, City’s players have been vocal about their determination to bounce back, with Ruben Dias promising fans that they will see the team’s “warriors” spirit and Kyle Walker vowing never to give up on winning more trophies.

However, Guardiola has emphasised the importance of results over rhetoric, stating in Tuesday’s press conference: “It’s just words,” and “I know they want it, I don’t have doubts about that, but we are not getting results – and you have to get results.”

He added: “They’re not going to come to me and saying they don’t believe any more. I would like to help them to find a way to be consistent and win games. Otherwise, I would not decide that I want to be with these players longer.”

Despite acknowledging the pressure that comes with poor results, Guardiola remains committed to his role, adding: “I accept it and we try to help them. I want to be here and if they want me, then fine.”

The Spaniard also expressed concerns that City’s period of dominance could be drawing to a close following the worst run of his managerial career.

Guardiola, who has scooped an astounding 18 trophies in eight years, acknowledged their recent struggles with the team going winless in their last seven games. Last year, Guardiola steered City to a spectacular fourth consecutive Premier League title – his third since taking over, mirroring Manchester United’s historic Treble in the process.

However, this term City’s form has dipped dramatically, leaving Guardiola to concede that it may signal the decline of his illustrious side. Currently languishing in fifth place and trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, their quest for another Premier League crown seems increasingly unrealistic.

In light of questions about whether his squad believes their golden period might be waning, Guardiola confessed: “I don’t know. I cannot answer this question.”

Ahead of City’s match against Nottingham Forest, he added, “We will try to extend it as much as possible. We’re in December, with many games to play. But when it is going to finish, it is going to finish.

“I want to prove we are still an incredible football club. Sooner or later it’s going to be the end, but I will try to extend it as much as possible for the best of my club.”

Recalling earlier triumphs, Guardiola stated, “But even when we were celebrating the Treble, I said it was going to end, but I’d try to continue to push my players, and they responded unbelievably well.

“This season, due to many circumstances, everything dropped. If it’s the end or not, time will tell.”