'I should have done it!' - Pep Guardiola reveals huge mistake behind Man City's horror season as scramble for top-five finish continues

Manchester City have failed to win the Premier League title for the first time since Liverpool beat them in the 2019-20 season. Guardiola's side headed into this season in the hunt for their fifth straight league title; however, after they lost Rodri to injury, their form took a nosedive, and their early and mid-season form left them way off the mark as Liverpool took a healthy lead in the race over them.

City's form has somewhat stabilised over the last three months, and they are now fighting with the likes of Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Aston Villa for a place in the Champions League spots. Guardiola has now revealed his mistake early in the season that could have helped them get back into form earlier.

Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “Now I reflect why Nico O'Reilly didn’t play in November, December, January, February… or James McAtee too.

“I should have done it! In that moment, I thought maybe they were not ready, and now look what happened. They are ready, that's why they play…”

Guardiola's side are currently fourth in the Premier League standings heading into the last four games of the season, with five teams within five points. They are also set to take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final later this month.