Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have consistently shown the ability to move past setbacks and quickly refocus, as the reigning champions prepare for a crucial FA Cup last-16 clash against Newcastle United.
City head into Saturday’s tie at St James’ Park following a frustrating 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite dominating large spells of the match, Guardiola’s side were pegged back twice by the visitors.
As a result, City now sit seven points behind league leaders, although they still hold a game in hand as the title race intensifies.
Nevertheless, Guardiola remains confident that his team will quickly shake off the disappointment and respond strongly in the cup encounter.
Drawing on previous seasons, the Spaniard highlighted City’s resilience when dealing with difficult moments.
“Many times, in the two seasons and last season especially, and this season as well normally we react well [to set backs],” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“We have the ability to forget quick. It’s a hard competition, I would say, it’s a final. We’ve been in this competition, the FA Cup, or not being there.”
While acknowledging the frustration of dropping points against Forest, Guardiola stressed that football often delivers unpredictable outcomes despite statistical dominance.
“Of course they’re a little disappointed. We did in everything much more than then and that game is like that.
“We could not win [against Forest], so. Expected goals, 2.15 to 0.7 chances concede and we draw. That is football.”
At the same time, the City boss admitted there are still areas his squad must improve, particularly in defensive organisation, as the team continues to evolve.
“We have to defend better in some departments and still we are not a complete team to compete, to be solid and that is the reality.
“But we are in the process of many changes and we can learn quicker and still there is nothing lost. We can quicker to arrive in the last month with the chances.”
Looking further ahead, the gaffer also expressed optimism that the ongoing adjustments within the squad will ultimately strengthen the team in the long run.
“But I’m pretty sure next season we will be better. I have no doubts about that.”
With the FA Cup now taking centre stage, City will aim to channel that resilience and reignite their momentum as they chase success across multiple competitions.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
