We have to find a way to win tight games, says Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he and his players need to recapture our long-standing ability to win closely fought encounters again.

Guardiola has overseen the most successful era in the club’s history, guiding us to 18 major honours in eight and a half years including unprecedented Premier League dominance.

The backbone of those triumphs has come in timely victors against our nearest competitors, as well as putting together long runs of consecutive victories in all conditions.

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However, we’ve recently been in a difficult spell of form – winning just one of our last 10 matches across all competitions.

The latest defeat came at Juventus on Wednesday night despite the Blues dominating possession and having more shots than our hosts.

Now, we face Manchester United in the 195th Manchester derby on Sunday.

While the boss acknowledges injury problems and a packed schedule have played a part in our struggles, he also insists that his side must find a way to come out on top in close matches if we’re to hit top form again.

“I know the reason why when we were winning, I know the reason why we’re losing,” he began.

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“The people don’t know but I know because I'm there. I know the processes, this is the truth.

“How we are playing but missing the little details, it’s not enough I know, the players know it, they taste it.

“Even when we didn’t have the highest level of consistency, it doesn't matter we always found a way to win, now we don't have it in good or bad moments.

“Six times Juventus crossed the halfway line. Away in the Champions League. It was quite good but not enough.

“We defended poorly and in attack we arrived there but we didn't shoot. The players know it, of course we have to improve.”

After so many years of sustained success, Guardiola says our recent downturn has helped him learn more about his squad and backroom staff.

He also insisted that he and his players are working harder than ever to right the ship as we head towards the halfway point of the campaign.

“I know our people better and I know who is behind the scenes. What’s important is how we are and how the players feel,” he said.

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“I have to think about when I lose the team. If I think they don’t run and don’t follow me. In that moment, not one more minute.

“But at the moment it’s there and more than ever I am there, there is no doubt.”

City v Manchester United app coverage

Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at around 15:15 (UK).

Former City favourites Benjani and Richard Dunne will be the guests on the latest Matchday Live show alongside host Cel Spellman, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.

During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.

Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.

Short highlights from the match will be available from 20:15 (UK), whilst extended highlights from the encounter and a full-match replay [available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.