Guardiola explains why Man City lost to Tottenham.

Manager Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City will quickly recover from their slip-up against Tottenham in their opening home game of the new season.

Guardiola believes that losing one match is not a disaster.

Manchester City started the season with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves, but their enthusiasm was quickly dampened when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in the second round of the 2025/26 Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on August 23rd. In the first half alone, Brennan Johnson and Joao Paulinho inflicted heartbreak on the home side, allowing Thomas Frank's team to leave Manchester with all three points.

In the press conference, Pep Guardiola appeared calm. He considered this defeat merely an early setback and affirmed that he had no doubt about the strength and spirit of his players.

According to Pep, Tottenham pressed intensely, marking tightly, reminiscent of how Brentford had previously troubled Man City. Man City were forced to change their playing style, something the coaching staff and players had prepared for, but they missed many simple details and paid the price.

“What I always ask for is not extraordinary moments, but constant movement and effort. The players have maintained that for many years and today as well,” Guardiola emphasized. He acknowledged that the team created enough chances, but in football, defeat is always possible.

The Spanish manager reiterated that last season Man City also had an imperfect start, but they maintained a positive foundation in training. He believes the team will gradually improve with each game, become more cohesive, and rediscover their rhythm.

"This is only the second game, the season is still very long," Pep affirmed, while also sending a reassuring message to fans that Man City would soon bounce back from their stumble against Tottenham.

Source: https://znews.vn/guardiola-giai-thich-vi-sao-man-city-thua-tottenham-post1579393.html