‘I sleep badly and don’t digest food well’ - Pep Guardiola reveals physical toll of Man City’s crisis as boss admits he can only eat SOUP in the evening

Guardiola has confessed to experiencing significant stress and anxiety as his team battles through a challenging phase. City’s latest setback came with a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin. This loss leaves the reigning Premier League champions in a precarious 22nd position in the Champions League standings, with only the top 24 teams continuing in the competition. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie secured a memorable win for Juventus as City’s frailties were exposed once again.

During a chat with Luca Toni on Prime Video Sport, Guardiola candidly shared his personal struggles during this tough period, noting the toll the situation has taken on his mental and physical well-being. Addressing visible signs of stress - such as scratches on his nose and red marks on his head - following a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, Guardiola said: “The nails, yes, I did them on my nose. I am a person who is nervous sometimes. I have bad days, I mess up a lot, and rudeness makes me nervous. Do I lose my mind sometimes? Yes. I sleep badly and I don’t digest food well. I always have to eat light. Only soup in the evening.

“But I am the same coach as I was five months ago. The one who had won the title, and I don’t fight my state of mind. If my state of mind is ugly, then it is ugly. But I know it will pass. The same is true when I am overjoyed. I know it will pass. I sincerely believe that it will be a year with great difficulties. We have to find continuity.”

Following the defeat in Turin, Guardiola also faced questions about the possibility of being sacked by Manchester City if he fails to turn the situation around in the near future.

“If Manchester City sends me home? If so, I go home,” Guardiola stated. "What can you do in life? Life doesn’t always go the way one wants.”

City’s woes are compounded by the stiff competition in the Premier League. They face Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and the fixture will once again put their credentials to test. With Liverpool currently leading the table, eight points clear and with a game in hand, the margin for error is slim.