Guardiola: We have to fight

Pep Guardiola says he has no doubts how much his players are hurting after a run of seven games without a win.

He admits it is a new experience as a manager, and for many of his players, too.

But he says only hard work and being together will bring us through this tough patch – and that he knows he has a group who will fight all the way.

“They want it - I know they want it every single day – I don’t have any doubts, but  we are not getting results, and we have to get results, and this is the reality,” said Pep.

“They are not going to come to me saying ‘I don’t believe anymore; I don’t believe what we have done’. That doesn’t happen and it will not happen.

“I want to help them find the way to be consistent and win games - this is what we have to do and what is going to happen, is going to happen. Otherwise I would not decide or still be there with the players for longer.

“I had in my head my destiny that I wanted to extend because I believe I want to continue to do that,. But of course, the results [are key] - all the managers who are in this situation know and for me, it's the first time in my career, but what can I do?

“I have to accept it like a challenge, prove to myself that we can help them. The players know it. I want to be here. If they want me, fine. We have to fight.”

Guardiola also explained why his tenure has lasted so long when questioned about his weekend comments that being City boss has been the best time of his managerial career.

“Obviously the fact it’s been nine years already [says a lot],” said the boss.

“FC Barcelona was special because I started as ball boy and then was a player, manager of the club of my heart.

“They are incomparable for many things. And to be a manager of a giant like Bayern, the structure, the city and mentality of the club how competitive they are in all departments.

“It was a big lesson for me. But if I’ve been here nine years, it’s because here I found a consistency and many, many things that have made me feel good as a manager.

“But the main reason why I’ve been here so long? No one here is stupid - they know why.

“It is because we win a lot. That’s why the people trust in me- it is because we won.

“But in sport, people today don’t want to look at yesterday or last season. It’s now and we are not delivering what we have to. We need to deliver again and be a good team and that’s our target.

“That’s why I ‘m not here to remind people about what we have done – I remember the six Premier League titles for myself and the players because it is so difficult to do what we have done and how difficult everything is in life and how complicated it is.

“I don’t want gratitude [for the past] because we have to deliver today.

“I have never felt different from managers who have problem results and don’t expect to be treated differently.

“It’s quite normal, and if you don’t like or accept that, you have to retire.

“I want solutions but there are many reasons why we are in this situation.

“I spoke in the last month when people ask why I don’t play Kevin?

“You don’t think I’d like to play him? You think I don’t want Kevin to play? The guy has the most talent in the final third and I don’t want him to play?

“He delivered the best success. He needs time to return to his best. Try to do it and I’m desperate to have him at his best.

“Last season Kevin, and the goals and assists from Jeremy, Phil, Jack as well as Savinho or Gundo this season. Just five goals or assists from each of these five guys and we’d be top of the league, but they were not here, they were injured and not ready.

“I have to find my way through the problems and I have and clear our heads to win games.”