Manchester City Needed To Break Losing Routine – Says Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City had to break the habit of losing after snapping a seven-game winless streak by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Wednesday.

The English champions endured a disappointing streak that featured six losses, marking the worst stretch of Guardiola’s managerial career.

However, victory came at a cost as defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji had to be replaced due to injuries.

“We needed it. The club, the players needed to win but it is just one game,” said Guardiola. “The problems continue with Manu and Nathan.

“In general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games, and finally, we won, but we have to continue.”

Injury issues have been central to City’s difficulties in recent months, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sidelined for the season due to a severe knee injury.

Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting lineup for the first time in nearly three months showed what City had been missing as he helped restore order for Guardiola’s men.

The Belgian teed up Bernardo Silva for an early opener and then fired home himself to double City’s lead.

Jeremy Doku completed the scoring in the second half. The home side successfully avoided a repeat of last week’s collapse, where they squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Guardiola dismissed suggestions before the game that there had been a rift with De Bruyne as he has been carefully managed back from injury problems.

“Last season was many months (out injured) and this season as well. I’m so happy he’s back,” added Guardiola.

“He fought a lot. Concerning his physicality, the minutes against Feyenoord were not good, and that’s why I decided not to play at Anfield (against Liverpool) for the rhythm they play.

“But the minutes he played at Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.”

Neither Akanji nor Ake is anticipated to be available for the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, Phil Foden could make his return after missing the game against Nottingham Forest due to bronchitis.