Guardiola Calls On Fans As Manchester City Seeks To Overcome Struggles

Manchester City’s supporters remember the highs of recent years and will get behind the team following a string of poor results, manager Pep Guardiola said on the eve of the Premier League visit of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

City, having secured six of the last seven Premier League titles, are currently on a seven-match winless streak across all competitions.

Their fourth consecutive league defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday has relegated them to fifth place in the standings.

The club’s unexpected decline in form has raised significant doubts about their ability to compete for silverware for the first time in years.

However, Guardiola expressed confidence that the fanbase had ample reasons to continue their support.

“We need them because the situation is what it is. They have always been there and have this feeling,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of the Forest game.

“They know what these guys have done in the last decade. There are many good moments we’ve lived together, and we know we need the support.

“All of us, especially the players, are human beings and are willing to give everything to change the dynamic.”

Defending champions City have 23 points from 13 matches, 11 adrift of leaders Liverpool but only two behind second-placed Arsenal and Chelsea in third.

Guardiola said that his team could no longer entertain ambitious hopes of winning the league title this season. Instead, they must concentrate on a step-by-step approach to work their way back into the top four.

“We cannot think about the results we’ve had in the past and to think about the big targets (the title) would be a big mistake,” the Spaniard added.

“We must try to beat a team that is close to us, to take advantage of them and to be close to the top four… we will try to win games because that’s what you have to try to do.

“I would say we are not far from the team in second position, but it is always the way you play, how consistent you are in the boxes that give you positive thoughts of what’s going to happen in the future.

“Liverpool have been magnificent and you cannot fight against that situation. We have to have more productive moments, and after that, it’s step-by-step to go forward.”

City’s woes could worsen as they face a Forest side who have punched above their weight and sit sixth, a point behind City.

“(They have) strong physicality, a good manager (Nuno Espirito Santo), and good experience like Brighton & Hove Albion and other teams,” Guardiola said.

“It’s not just one or two games; it’s a lot of games that’s been played in the Premier League, and they’re in the top positions, so it means they are good.”