Pep Guardiola: At any other club, I would have been fired this season

But it wasn't long ago that Guardiola's future at the Etihad seemed uncertain. The team endured a challenging spell, only managing one win in 13 matches across all competitions in November and December. By Boxing Day, City had fallen to a disorienting seventh place in the table, leaving fans wondering if the relentless success of recent years had finally caught up with them.

A major factor in the slump was a crippling injury list, with key player Rodri sidelined due to an ACL injury. However, Guardiola also acknowledges his role in the team's underperformance, revealing that he struggled to find the solutions he had so often relied upon in the past.

"The injuries played a significant part in our struggles," Guardiola said. "We had only 12 or 13 senior players available during that tough stretch. It was difficult, and while we've faced challenges before, this time I couldn't seem to guide the team back to form."

Though Guardiola expected some drop-off after winning four consecutive Premier League titles, he didn't foresee the depth of City's fall from grace.

"In the past, I've always said that our success exceeded expectations," he explained. "But I didn't anticipate this much of a drop-off, both in performance and results."

By the time of the Manchester derby in December, Guardiola admitted his job was at risk if the team didn't turn things around. And, as fate would have it, City lost 2-1 to United at home. It was in that moment that Guardiola voiced his belief that, had he been managing at another club, his tenure would have come to an end.

"In any other club, I would have been sacked without a doubt," he confessed. "At big clubs, you must deliver results, and I understand that. But I'm fortunate that Manchester City's board has given me their full backing, thanks to the success we've enjoyed together."

Looking ahead, Guardiola remains hopeful. While the current season has been challenging, he's confident that next season will see City return to their dominant form.

"Football is full of ups and downs," Guardiola said. "It's unrealistic to expect to win every competition, every year. But we are determined to make things right. It won't be like this next season. We will change things, and I expect better results."

City currently sit in fifth place, with eight crucial games left in the campaign, which would see them qualify for next season's Champions League if they remain in that position. Guardiola, however, isn't putting all his faith in the Champions League qualification. He recognizes that even without European football, Manchester City will remain strong.

"Many great clubs have gone through periods without Champions League football but continued to thrive," he said. "That won't stop us. If we miss out, we'll adapt and move forward. But we will do everything in our power to finish the season strongly and make sure we're in Europe next year."

Despite the challenges, Guardiola remains encouraged by recent performances, citing wins over Bournemouth and Leicester as signs of a recovery. "In the last two games, I saw the old spirit return," he added. "It's something we can build on as we look ahead."

With City's hopes for Champions League football still in their hands, Guardiola's confidence is slowly returning, and with it, the belief that Manchester City can once again find the heights that have made them one of Europe's premier clubs in recent years.

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