Guardiola responds to his critics after Man City win

Pep Guardiola responded to recent criticism aimed at Manchester City after securing a much-needed victory over Marseille.

2020/21 has gotten off to a very disappointing note for Manchester City, especially in the Premier League.

The Citizens are down in 13th-place with two wins, two draws, and a defeat in five outings. But while it’s been underwhelming to say the least, Everton are still just five points ahead at the top of the standings.

On the Champions League front, meanwhile, Guardiola’s side have enjoyed a fine start. After beating Porto 3-1 in last week’s opener, they made it back-to-back wins by brushing Marseille aside 3-0 in France.

It was a welcome result for City and their manager, who has faced his fair share of criticism in recent weeks.

“We have to accept the criticism,” Guardiola told BT Sport.

“We play every three days, when you win it’s good but if you don’t people want to destroy everything.

“But it’s about the chairman and everyone else understanding. Part of the criticism was right, but you’ve got to accept it. It’s part of our job.

“It’s about where we’ve come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19 but the Champions League is in a good place now. I’m sure we’re going to find that consistency.”

Ferran Torres, Ilkay Gundogan, and Raheem Sterling were all on target for City at the Stade Velodrome on Tuesday.

Guardiola’s side, who sit in Group C on six points, will next head to Sheffield United for a Premier League match on Saturday.