Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted Friday that Tuesday’s 5-4 win over Fulham was both entertaining and a warning, joking that he and Fulham counterpart Marco Silva deserved a bottle of wine for producing a nine-goal spectacle.
City, currently second in the Premier League, had built a commanding 5-1 lead at Craven Cottage but were made to sweat as the home side fought back, leaving Guardiola reflecting on defensive lapses.
“If I were watching at home, I wouldn’t change the channel,” Guardiola said on the eve of City’s trip to Sunderland. “I’m pretty sure the broadcasters are happy with us. They should be grateful to Marco and me. Maybe a bottle of wine is due—no, I’m not joking.”
Despite the victory, Guardiola acknowledged concerns at the back. City have conceded 16 league goals this season, nine more than leaders Arsenal, and Guardiola stressed the team must tighten defensively.
“Of course, conceding two goals against Leeds and four against Fulham isn’t ideal—six goals in two games—but we are also scoring the most. We have to build from that,” he said. “We can do better. It’s everyone’s responsibility, not just the goalkeepers or defenders.”
Looking ahead to Sunderland, sixth in their first season back in the Premier League, Guardiola praised their consistency and warned his team not to underestimate them.
“They deserve to be where they are,” he said. “When you’re promoted and perform well over 14 fixtures against tough opponents, it shows quality. They deserve their position.”
Guardiola also provided an injury update, confirming that midfielder Rodri, recovering from a hamstring issue, would not feature against Sunderland. “He’s getting better, but I don’t know how long it will take. He will be ready eventually,” he added.
