Thu Nov 28 02:53:24 UTC 2024: ## City’s Defensive Fragility Exposed in Champions League Thriller
**Manchester, England** – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted his team’s defensive vulnerabilities after a stunning collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League. City squandered a 3-0 lead, conceding three goals in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3 at the Etihad Stadium. This marks the first time City have failed to win a match after leading by three goals since 1989, and a first ever such occurrence in the final 15 minutes of a Champions League game.
Erling Haaland’s brace and Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected effort had City comfortably ahead, but a late Feyenoord onslaught left the home crowd jeering and the team facing questions about their defensive stability. Guardiola described his team as “weak and fragile,” stating, “We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable. We give them the first and the other ones and that is why it is difficult.”
The draw extends City’s recent slump, which now includes five games without a win. This poor run of form, the worst of Guardiola’s managerial career, leaves City 15th in the Champions League table with eight points – just one ahead of Feyenoord. The team faces a daunting trip to league leaders Liverpool, who currently boast an eight-point advantage in the Premier League, on Sunday. Guardiola has previously stated that an 11-point gap would be insurmountable.
Despite the criticism and the pressure, Guardiola remains committed to his tactical approach, stating, “We are not going to change our beliefs. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals that we have to do.” He plans to focus on a mental reset before facing Liverpool.
First Piper 