Manchester City

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Danny: What was it like playing at Maine Road?

Kinkladze: Amazing, amazing! Maine Road was better than Etihad Stadium - it had a better atmosphere.

Why?

Kinkladze: Pep Guardiola has been in charge nearly nine years. They have won the league six times and the Champions League as well. They [fans] go to the stadium and they know they will win.

In my time, when we played we didn't know who would win so wins felt more special.

How did it feel to give fans joy during a difficult period?

Kindkladze: It felt really good - the memories are nice. The way City play football now - I'm really happy for the fans. I am still a City fan.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Players hate to be called cheats, lazy or injury-prone but in the modern game, the most dreaded phrase is, "his legs have gone". Maybe this is why Pep Guardiola is being circumspect and self-critical when asked about his team. Some of the things he should say are just too damning for those players to accept in a league that demands extraordinary levels of fitness.

Players can work their way back after injury, but if the legs are "gone", if old father time is calling time, then other than the odd flourish the game is up at the top level.

Because of the respect everyone has for City's recent brilliance, especially ex-players who are commenting, there is a reticence to say it out loud. The question to ask is, if any other team was playing the way City are currently performing, would we still be making excuses?

Post-match, Pep suggested it was partially his fault for being unable to find answers with this team. The clue is in the second part of his comment, "this team". In short he needs a new team or at the very least a major restructuring of the current squad.

For all the animosity and different recent histories, City and United have very similar problems to solve for the rest of this season and beyond.

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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Things are going from bad to worse at Manchester City.

No confidence. No mental strength. No ability to hold out for victories. No desire. No legs. And, dare I say it, no passion.

They are all things you would expect from a side that has achieved everything during Pep Guardiola's tenure, and while some believe that is the exact reason why we are seeing such a downfall, I would argue that should never be the case.

These are basic fundamentals of a club proven capable of winning over and over again, and it is beyond unacceptable to lose that within the space of two months.

In fact, Guardiola has been hugely let down by those he calls 'friends' in senior positions at City through a lack of satisfactory recruitment, and should they not invest at the first opportunity to rebuild in 2025, it would be the most disrespectful act they could hand the Premier League's only unsackable coach.

The genius of the Catalan has made up for corners cut in recruitment throughout his tenure, when we reflect on the days of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabian Delph coached into full-back roles in 2017-18, or the days of the false nine when City turned down the opportunity to replace Sergio Aguero in the market.

Now we are staring down that same barrel. For all Guardiola has brought this club in terms of unprecedented success, the finest football we have ever seen and the financial rewards of that story for Manchester City globally, this hierarchical structure must show him the respect that deserves and invest in our coach once more.

A failure to do so could set this club back years.

This is not a case of being in a Premier League title chase any more - that left the possibilities of this squad weeks ago. This is a chase for Champions League football.

Guardiola might be unsackable, and rightly so given his success at City, but who could blame him from walking away next summer should he feel he is not being backed in the market by those who have previously tested his genius coaching capabilities to the max?

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering fan questions on all things Premier League.

Sandford Seth asked: Isn't it about time that we look at play-acting and punish it retrospectively? Kyle Walker and Marc Cucurella on Sunday were absolutely embarrassing. They both should be ashamed of themselves.

Phil answered: I was at Manchester City against Manchester United and you would hope a player of Walker's experience will look back with serious personal embarrassment for the theatrical way he hit the floor after the mildest of head-to-head contacts with Rasmus Hojlund.

I would have no problem with such incidents being a red card offence. It would stop that nonsense instantly.

A summer move to Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will not be happening as it stands for 21-year-old Germany and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is set to extend his contract until 2028. (Sky Germany), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on what Pep Guardiola should do to get Manchester City winning again with the Champions having tasted victory just once in their past 11 games.

Here are some of your suggestions:

David: This season is a write-off with Champions League qualification the only minimum requirement. Pep should play as many development/squad players as needed to properly manage injured/fatigued senior squad players - even more so at the Club World Cup. The best City can realistically do is to arrive at the start of next season with a combination of fit/prime senior squad players, the development squad players who flourished this season and some select new signings.

Roy: The players will respond to his "I'm not good enough" statement. He doesn't need to do anything other than what he has always done to make him football's greatest manager.

Amanda: Drop Erling Haaland as we are playing with 10 men and no-one can get near him for him to score. Play more attacking football. Play some of the youngsters, as they have energy, legs and desire. Play Phil Foden in his desired central position. Drop Matheus Nunes as he is not confident. Practise corners by holding defenders down like Arsenal do. The players need to be more physical as they look scared of injury. The same old, same will not change anything. We are too easy to read now.

• Not a Man City fan? Find your Premier League club's page

Richard: Pep needs find a new nemesis. Jurgen Klopp is no longer here to bring out his best - but I don't know if Arne Slot can be the same. The difference between Klopp and Slot is similar to Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Both fantastic but also like chalk and cheese.

Andrew: It is actually straightforward. There are a lot of players to come back so patience is required. Play the outstanding academy players more, settle on the best available back three for now and wingers to run back like hell (see academy). As soon as centre-backs return, play a double six with either Ilkay Gundogan or Mateo Kovacic combined with either Manuel Akanji or John Stones. Focus on Champions League. Absolutely no panic buys in January.

Steve: Permanent transfers are hard to get in January so if there are any loan options then it could allow players to recover and get back to something like their best to at least finish in the top four before a summer rebuild. We are an aging, injury-prone squad, which is a situation that should have been addressed over the past two seasons. Players sold just haven't been replaced either and that is poor management by the club. It saddens me to say despite amazing success.

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The psychology of "anxiety" and a "downward spiral" are contributing to Manchester City's poor form, says sport psychologist Dr John Maythers.

The defending Premier League champions suffered another damaging defeat on Sunday after their late loss to Manchester United, with midfielder Phil Foden saying after the match "it feels like a mental thing".

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Dr Maythers said: "It is fairly straightforward to explain and describe what is happening and it is obviously a little more difficult to try to find a solution.

"There is probably a bit of anxiety now at the results they have had. Any time there is anxiety that tends to bring about a loss in focus in any athlete. When that happens, you are liable to suffer some difficulties in the game itself. When a club is going through this particular moment, there is a drop in expectations and we call it a downward spiral.

"The secret is and the trick is, if you can, to try to redress that spiral by reminding yourself of some of those basic points that will allow you to return to your best form."

City boss Pep Guardiola said he is "not good enough" and has not yet been able to find the solution to the side's problems.

"The manager has a key role in that [turning form around], but the players themselves are responsible for their own performance," added Dr Maythers.

"The quality of Guardiola is clear for everyone to see but there are players there that are experienced players, on big salaries and with a good track record within the game. They should know themselves by now what it takes to get back to a level of performance that they can be happy with and can bring about better results on the field.

"If they were to review their own qualities and remind themselves of some of the things that have happened over the past four or five years, they would have a good chance to just reconnect with what, for them, would be their best chance to deliver."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

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Phil Foden says Manchester City's players will "keep believing in the process and the manager", despite their poor recent run of form.

Their late Manchester derby defeat on Sunday means the side have now lost eight of their past 11 games - only winning once in that run.

In that time they have suffered heavy defeats and lost leads on multiple occasions, with boss Pep Guardiola increasingly suggesting he is struggling to find an answer to current situation.

"We are still nowhere near our level, but I still believe that we are playing good enough to get points and results," Foden said.

"It's about remaining focused throughout the full 90 minutes, but we keep switching off at important times. We just need to get the focus right.

"We stick together, regroup and believe in ourselves after what we've achieved in the past.

"We keep believing in the process and the manager - I'm sure if we do that we will get back to winning ways and get back to our level."

Manchester City's recent troubles feel like they have been going from bad to worse with each week that passes.

Pep Guardiola is enduring the worst spell in charge of a team in his illustrious managerial career.

And that's not all that makes for grim reading. Since the 1 November, Manchester City have the fewest points per game of any side in the Premier League.

The City boss has now said he himself is "not good enough" and is struggling to find the "solution".

If you were in the Spaniard's shoes, what would you do to solve this crisis, City fans? How would you get the team back to winning ways?

Let us know

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering fan questions on all things Premier League.

Dom asked: Is there any kind of feeling about Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City? While I don't think he should after all he has done - and he is actually irreplaceable - there is no hiding the fact that any other manager would have been sacked by this point.

Phil answered: No, not at all. There is no disguising the turmoil at Manchester City but Guardiola's track record is such, and the club's faith in him so strong, that they were delighted when he signed a new two-year contract a couple of weeks ago.

I agree other managers would be under a lot of pressure if their record of recent results had been as bad - but those managers are not Guardiola and do not have his proven, incredible record of success.

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Manchester City players are "shadows" of what they have been under Pep Guradiola, says fan Emily Brobyn.

City's poor recent form has gone from bad to worse after a late 2-1 derby defeat at home by rivals Manchester United.

The result means Pep Guardiola's side have won just once in their past 11 games.

"We are just used to it now, as City fans. We let Manchester United come to the Etihad and dictate play. We showed far too much respect," Brobyn told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"But, it was a really poor standard of a derby. They must have thought Christmas had come early at the end. We gift wrapped the game - we handed it to them on an absolute plate.

"The perplexing thing for a lot of fans right now is we have celebrated these players throughout the years. Only last season we were celebrating them winning four in a row and we have been through so much with these players, but now we are looking at them and they are complete shadows of where they were.

"Everything they stood for as players in the game is completely evaporated. The press they used to have, the way they would chase down lost possession all the time. Everything they used to stand for as a Pep team has completely disappeared.

"We are in a really tricky situation that nobody could have foreseen but we have to just ride it and hope we get to the other side."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

City fans:

Brian: Manchester City have no excuses. Losing is now a habit. The will to win must include a will to defend a lead. Great 85 minutes that was a reflection of some of the old City but then they revert to type and collapse. If they can play and lead for 85 minutes then they must reflect seriously on who is letting the team and the fans down in the final five plus additional time. Serious concerns about character. Is it now too easy to make excuses rather than stop the rot?

Andy: Other than the goal, from a deflected cross, when else did we look like scoring? A worrying lack of creativity at the moment. Not scoring the second goal leaves you open to what happened at the end.

Pat: Ignoring the disasters for the penalty and their second goal, we were still terrible. Yes we were easily the better team and it looked like only one team could possibly win but it simply wasn't good enough. We not only lack structure and control but we also lack imagination and creativity. However, worst of all our decision making is so poor. We look like a side struggling to stay in the division not one fighting for the title.

David: Another big game and Haaland again does not score. January transfer window we need a new keeper, striker and some new younger defenders. We should never have let Palmer and Alvarez go. This is the end of our golden era.

United fans:

Amit: A victory to really get the squad behind the new manager's system and tactics. Amad plays with a smile on his face and has dragged United back against one of our big rivals, again!

Clive: Possibly the most boring, uninspring United performance of the season - for 86 minutes. Then - two minutes of Amad magic and back to boring. OK - we won, but what did we beat? A dispirited City rabble. Just not good enough United - you were lucky.

Michelle: United didn't play well at all but found a way to win. Amad was brilliant and deserves all the credit. He pressed, looked energetic and played like a 'proper' Manchester United. A great day for all United fans.

Mark: A poor display from two sides struggling for consistency but we'll take the three points and run. Amad was literally the difference and an example to some other players in the squad about what it takes to be successful at United and not rest on your laurels. City will bounce back, they have too much quality not to. Important cup games coming for us - we will see what's left of our season after those, but I think the result will be a good boost.

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Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison says the lack of confidence the Manchester City players' are showing "is a worry," after Phil Foden told BBC Radio 5 Live "they switched off" after conceding a first goal against Manchester United.

"They are frustrated," said Morrison on the Football Daily podcast. "Pep Guardiola has never been in this position and neither have some of the players.

"They are used to winning football matches comfortably and those players now look down on confidence. It is a worry."

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, added: "I don't think they have the right leaders in the dressing room to turn it around. They don't seem to have the appetite to do it.

"They are at a real danger of unravelling so far that they implode.

"We are now able to ask the hard questions about whether this team have reached the end of their shelf life, if they still want to be there and are they as focused?

"We always speak about managers but it is also down to the players to show determination and fight to turn results around.

"There are suggestions now that they haven't."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Is there a possibility that Pep Guardiola does not see the end of the season at Manchester City?

Football managers always say that 'the buck stops with me,' in terms of taking responsibility for under-performing results and performances. And City are in danger of crashing out of the Champions League before the knockout stages, they are out of the Carabao Cup and the Premier League title is drifting further away.

So could Guardiola, who only signed a further two-year deal last month, be in a vulnerable position?

"I would be very surprised and I think Guardiola deserves more respect than that," said The Telegraph's Luke Edwards on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "We are talking about one of the greatest managers of all time, who has turned City into the most dominant force in English football.

"January is massive for them. Unlike a lot of teams they have a rather large sum of money they can spend and still be within Profit and Sustainability Rules. The squad needs refreshing and re-igniting.

"If you are going to trust any manager in the world to spend some money and bring in players, it would be Guardiola.

"They aren't going to find any manager better than him in the middle of a season."

Ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison also spoke about any vulnerability Guardiola may be facing, stating: "Absolutely no chance because he has loads of credit in the bank.

"What I like is that he is not digging out his players to the media. He is saying it is on him, while players like Phil Foden are saying it is on them as players.

"Those players aren't delivering for him. There is only so much he can do on the training pitch, and when they cross the white line the responsibility is on those players."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards does not think Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is "coping very well" with the poor form his side are experiencing and "his nervousness" looks to be transferring on to his players.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, Edwards said City's defeat and performance against Manchester United means their problem is now full-blown.

"I think you have to put it in that category," said Edwards. "I am fascinated to see how Guardiola is coping with this pressure and strain. He's showing real vulnerability and that is because he has never experienced anything like this in his managerial career.

"He is feeling it intensely because his body language on the touchline looked distraught. It is not a side of Guardiola that we ever seen before.

"If I'm honest, I don't think he is coping very well.

"His nervousness and stress is starting to transfer on to his players because they look like a team that are low on confidence. He keeps saying he is delighted with his players, but I suspect he's not saying that behind the scenes.

"This is a real test of his managerial capabilities."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-2 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

• Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace

• Man City 1-2 Man Utd

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to BBC Match of the Day:

"Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player. We gave away goals, our fault. We don't play with composure. The results are not good, the game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand but the reality is this.

"They have to know that these situations happen. In the box you have to be careful. It's not about Matheus [Nunes], he played really good in not his position at full-back. But it's not about that, we have to play better. The result will help us to take our best but right now we don't have it. The way I learn is to keep going.

"I am not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and so far I haven't. That's the reality.

"We want to play better, create chances. But at the moment it's not possible."

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Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has also been speaking following today's loss to Sky Sports: "We deserved what happened. At this level a game or two is unlucky. We can't say this is lucky or unlucky - 10 games it's not about that.

"Minute 87 in a derby, winning 1-0 and our corner ends in a penalty for them, if we make these stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go you deserve to pay for that. Looking at the game I think there was only one team that could win the game, but at the end we lost.

"It's not one game, it's a lot of games lately. We have to look at ourselves. You can say oh t's a bit unlucky, no. It's the decisions you make. Today in the last minute we played like under-15s.

"We don't want them to happen. It's a bit frustrating because if you look at the game until 86th minute there was only one team that could win the game. Then from a corner for Man City, you leave a centre back, Ruben stayed, but we end up with the ball at our keeper. There's no excuse for that.

"When it happens in 10 games, we have to look at ourselves and see what we can do better. There needs to be communication for us to play short or to keep the ball in the corner or something. At least if the ball ends up with one of our midfielders, just put it in the corner. Not put yourself under pressure. It's not just the pass from Matheus to the keeper. It's everything, how the ball ends up from Ruben to Matheus and Kyle we have to do better. Be more experienced, smarter, at this level even if you're better than the opponent. You deserve to lose the game.

"It's quite normal that we're not very happy at the minute. Not just this game but the last month. We have to do better individually and collectively because it's not the standards of Manchester City."