Pep sticks to his guns despite Man City form

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

AMID THE worst losing streak of his career, Pep Guardiola is more determined than ever to stick to the plan.

Manchester City have lost five straight games in all competitions and after a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham are eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

On Tuesday, City face Feyenoord in the Champions League, having been thrashed 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon in their last match in European club football’s elite competition. Yet Guardiola said yesterday his faith in his approach is unshaken.

“What should I change?” he asked. “We are not going to change our beliefs. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals that we have to do.

“In this moment we have to go more direct to our principals. Don’t change much – less than ever.”

Four-time defending Premier League champions City have dominated English football since Guardiola was appointed in 2016.

He has led the team to six of the last seven league titles and won 15 major trophies, including the Champions League in 2023.

Guardiola said he remained confident City would compete for top honours again this season.

“I have the feeling that this season we will do very, very good things. I don’t give up and I have the feeling we will be there,” he said.