A clearer picture of Guardiola, his family life & the media

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City suffered a run of just one win in nine league games in November and December

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has never experienced a season like this in his managerial career.

A record run of defeats, an injury crisis, uncertainty over his contract and a rapid squad rebuild approaching.

Guardiola said his sleep and diet were being affected by an "ugly" state of mind around his side's crisis, and he came to one post-match news conference with very visible "nervous" scratches all over his head.

In December BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague - who has authored biographies on Guardiola - wrote about the City manager's "insecurities" and "huge self-doubt".

And this week Guardiola's private life has been the subject of media headlines, with widespread reports he and wife Cristina Serra are formally separating, leading to speculative opinion pieces about the possible impact on his job.

Balague said: "It was all very discreetly agreed and they asked the close circle to keep the news quiet. They remain friends."

Here, Balague and BBC Sport chief football news writer Simon Stone provide a clearer picture of what's going on.

How big a factor was family life in him staying at Man City?

Guardiola signed a two-year extension in November to stay at Manchester City until the summer of 2027.

Guillem Balague:

"The biggest question Pep asked himself was: 'Can I stay a couple of years more in Manchester? Have I got the energy? Does it affect harmony in my world?'

"And the answer was 'Yes, I can, I feel strong enough'.

"He is seeing his kids grow and become independent, which is something him and Cristina have always encouraged."

Does any of this impact his ability to coach?

Earlier in the season Guardiola admitted his on-pitch worries were affecting his sleep and diet.

Guillem Balague:

"He has focus tunnel vision.

"It must have got to a point where his head was so much in football that - after a while in Manchester - Cristina decided to look closely after the family fashion boutique business back in Spain, where she lives at the family home.

"But they had regular meetings. It must be hard to have a social life when the Premier League is so demanding."

Why did he reveal Kyle Walker wanted to leave?

This week Guardiola told journalists Kyle Walker wanted to leave the club - an unusual move which was criticised by ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who said Guardiola had "thrown [Walker] under the bus" by speaking publicly.

Guillem Balague:

"Walker renewed his contract in September 2023. The club might have considered to move him on but Pep wanted to keep the hardcore of the team this summer - which has now shown to be a mistake.

"Confused and unfocused, Walker's form has been poor and others have played better. So I'm not sure what Theo is on about."

Simon Stone:

"It did feel as though Guardiola was mulling over in his mind whether to talk about Walker before he decided to. He also said it was Walker's news to release, but he wasn't there.

"I have sympathy in this situation because it is a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario and it is not like injuries, when Guardiola tends to be deliberately vague - or obstructive.

"Guardiola fundamentally does not believe a player who is trying to leave is going to be committed, so Walker has been left out of his squad completely for the games against Salford and Brentford. He knows he is bound to be asked what the problem is.

"No matter what he says, it is going to be dissected. If he says Walker has 'a knock', what happens if he is spotted around town with no issues. Not an easy situation but better to be truthful."

Has Guardiola been different with the media this season?

Simon Stone:

"Guardiola has always been someone who talks as a stream of consciousness.

"He will be discussing one subject and veer off into other topics. He also likes to deal with stuff that is bothering him - which can sometimes, albeit rarely, lead to individual conversations with journalists.

"However, this season, it has felt very reflective.

"When he has spoken there has been a more human, vulnerable side to Pep. Hearing the greatest manager of his generation and one of the best of all time admit he doesn't have answers, might not have them and - if he doesn't - will have to tell his bosses they need to find someone better to do his job, was extraordinary.

"There are further elements that suggest Guardiola is under strain this season like never before, not least the scratches that appeared on his face after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in November."

Why does Guardiola have intense exchanges with players in front of cameras?

Guardiola had an intense on-pitch discussion with his goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Brentford. City conceded a late equaliser which Ortega fumbled.

Guillem Balague:

"It is important for him to connect to the player soon after the mistake. The magic of Pep is correction. Nobody does it as often, in so many places, with so much energy and intensity.

"That is a massive reason as to why he has taken City to the top. And he has always done it.

"I see him full of energy, wanting to change matters, knowing it was hard as there is an alarming lack of players. But it is a new test and he always looks at hurdles as challenges.

"If he felt differently - for example if he felt negatively or he was so tired he couldn't bring all his energy - he would leave the job."