Pep Guardiola delivered a scathing post-match interview despite Manchester City’s brilliant comeback win against Tottenham Hotspurs on Thursday night.
City had a first half to forget after two poor errors were capitalised on by Spurs duo Dejan Kulusevski and Emerson Royal.
Spurs went into the half-time interval 2-0 up as the stunned City players were greeted by disgruntled boos from the home crowd.
In the second half, City showed tremendous heart and spirit as two quick goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland dragged Guardiola’s side level.
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City’s sensational comeback was then completed after Riyad Mahrez netted in the 63rd minute, another goal from the Algerian in the 90th minute sealed an important 4-2 win.
However, despite the result, Guardiola was far from happy during his post-match interview.
The Spaniard said his players lacked guts, passion, fire and desire to win.
He said: “[Lacking in] Guts, passion, fire, desire to win from minute one. The same with the fans, they are silent for 45 minutes. I want my fans back!
“We are far, far away from being able to compete at the highest level.”
Guardiola then stated that he doesn't recognise his own team after their recent struggles.
The City boss continued: “We have an opponent in Arsenal who have the fire. Two decades without winning the Premier League. I am explaining the reality, everything is so comfortable but opponents don't wait.
“I don't recognise my team, they had the passion and desire to run.
“We are far away from the team we had in previous seasons. Do you think this comeback will happen every time? It won’t.”
Guardiola continued to say that his side were lucky to come away victorious.
He added: “Today we were lucky. If we want to win something or compete - but complaining, complaining, complaining - no chance we will win anything.
“Do you think we are going to chase the gap to Arsenal the way we are playing? No way.”
Up next for Guardiola's men will be Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Premier League
Marcus Chan