Manchester City in a dark place after Sporting loss - Bernardo Silva
Sporting hit back from a goal down to stun Pep Guardiola’s 2022-23 European champions who have now lost three games in a row in all competitions for the first time since 2018.
Published : Nov 06, 2024 08:15 IST , LISBON - 3 MINS READ
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva walks to the bench as he is substituted during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City. | Photo Credit: AP
Manchester City’s shock 4-1 defeat away at Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday has left the team in a dark place, according to captain Bernardo Silva.
A hat-trick by Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres saw Sporting hit back from a goal down to stun Pep Guardiola’s 2022-23 European champions who have now lost three games in a row in all competitions for the first time since 2018.
“In the beginning of the second half, we just gave them too many opportunities to be there and to score goals,” the Portuguese said. “Disappointing, because we’re a bit in a dark place right now, and everything looks to be going the wrong way even when we play well.
“Definitely, we need to look inside, check what we’re not doing well and start being better very quickly. Otherwise it will be difficult to come back from these losses.”
While injury-hit City is certainly not in a crisis, the English champions have experienced a humbling week.
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First it was knocked out of the League Cup by Tottenham Hotspur, then its 32-match unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended by Bournemouth at the weekend.
When Phil Foden gave City an early lead in Lisbon on Tuesday it seemed to have clicked back into gear and but for some wayward finishing it might have been out of sight.
But the way City lost control of the match after Gyokeres equalised close to halftime was completely unexpected.
City fell behind immediately after the interval and then conceded two needless penalties, both converted by Gyokeres, either side of Erling Haaland blasting a spot kick against the crossbar.
“It’s football, and look, as I said, it’s difficult to find reasons for what’s happening right now to us,” Bernardo Silva said. “I don’t remember in seven and a half seasons this team losing three games in a row. It just looks like everything is going in the wrong way right now.
“Obviously, we need to do better. Our injured players need to come back because we need them. And it’s just not good enough at the minute.”
City, who was without the likes of Rodri, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and John Stones and gave a first start to 19-year-old defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Guardiola relishing challenge of getting City back on track
City manager manager Pep Guardiola said he is looking forward to the challenge of getting them back on track.
“It is a tough challenge, but I am here. It will be a tough season - we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it ...,” Guardiola told reporters.
“I have to try and find an explanation. Sometimes it is just football. We have to accept it. Life is that, sport is that.”
City, second in the Premier League behind Liverpool, travels to face eighth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
“We are coming back to Manchester to prepare the game against Brighton. I am not giving up. Maybe people are waiting but I am not giving up,” Guardiola said.