Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott have given their verdict on Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City following their team’s latest setback.
City were beaten 2-1 away by Aston Villa on Saturday and are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
TNT Sports pundits Crouch and Lescott were also asked if they thought City’s chances of winning a fifth successive Premier League title have faded.
City have gone through a miserable run of form which has seen them lose six of their last eight Premier League games.
At Villa Park, the hosts took the lead thanks to Jhon Durán before Morgan Rogers made it 2-0 in the second half.
Although City got a goal back from Phil Foden late on, Guardiola’s team couldn’t get anything out of the game.
Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott gave their verdict on Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City
City suffered another defeat on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa.
Former City defender Lescott indicated that he does not believe Guardiola is close to resigning.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Lescott said: “I don’t think Guardiola is anywhere close to resigning. He’s someone who loves a challenge. He will see this as a challenge. I don’t think he’s anywhere close to thinking about resigning.
Crouch agreed with Lescott that Guardiola will remain at the Club.
He said, “I think it stays.” I think he leaves when he wants. It’s about whether he can turn the situation around. The man is a genius. It has changed the face of football in this country. He has not had this test done anywhere he has been. It is one of the largest we have ever seen. You would hope he would change things.
However, Crouch believes City will not be able to win the title this season.
He said: “I think you have to (rule City out of the title race). They are showing no signs of being fit to win the title.”
Although City have frequently dominated the Premier League in recent years, they now look much more vulnerable.
Guardiola’s team appears unconfident and fragile in defence, although it also lacks its usual ruthlessness in attack.
Lescott and Crouch believe Guardiola will not resign despite City’s current problems
Last month, Guardiola signed a contract extension, which will run until the summer of 2027.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will honor that deal as he faces a significant task in trying to improve City’s fortunes.
City have not won since their 3-0 home victory against Nottingham Forest on December 4.
They will be eager to get back to winning ways when they host Everton on Boxing Day.