Manchester City’s sluggish start to the 2025/26 season continued with a 2-1 defeat at Brighton, leaving Pep Guardiola visibly frustrated with his side’s collapse.
Erling Haaland’s first-half strike had put City in control, but second-half goals from James Milner (penalty) and Brajan Gruda turned the game in Brighton’s favour.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola admitted his team had “forgotten to play” in the final 30 minutes, resorting to long balls instead of their trademark possession play.
Guardiola on the Collapse
Guardiola was candid about how the momentum shifted:
“We concede the goal and after that it shifted. Until then it was really, really good, we had chances and the team looked aggressive and dynamic. We made a good hour and then after the last half an hour we were not good. We forgot to pass the ball, just played long balls and we were not good enough. It is what it is.” — Pep Guardiola, Sky Sports
He compared the collapse to their defeat against Tottenham earlier this season, stressing that City must be better at handling setbacks:
“A bit like Tottenham, we concede and everywhere we don’t continue to do what we need to do. It can happen, you still have time because it is possible to concede in the Premier League.” — Pep Guardiola, Sky Sports
Guardiola on Squad Changes and Rodri’s Return
The City boss defended his squad but highlighted the challenge of integrating summer signings:
“We have a really good squad and of course we changed many things from the past to now, which is normal. We need new players to adapt and we need the older ones to help them cope.” — Pep Guardiola, Sky Sports
He singled out Rodri for praise after the midfielder completed 90 minutes:
“Rodri played a really good performance and he is a top character. Happy he played 90 minutes and I would say that he could handle his minutes in the national team and after we start the season.” — Pep Guardiola, Sky Sports
Historic Struggle vs Hürzeler
Remarkably, Guardiola is still searching for his first victory against Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler.
- Guardiola vs Hürzeler (PL meetings): P3 D1 L2
- Only Ronald Koeman has also faced Guardiola three times in league football without losing (P3 D2 L1).
It’s a record that underlines Brighton’s fearless approach under their 32-year-old coach, who was just 15 when Guardiola took charge of Barcelona in 2008.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William says Guardiola’s frustration is telling:
“This wasn’t just about Brighton’s brilliance — it was City abandoning their identity. Guardiola built his career on control through passing, but his team ended this game hitting long balls. That’s a worrying sign. Add the stat that he’s never beaten Hürzeler, and you see how quickly the Premier League landscape has shifted.”
Key Insights
- Guardiola admits City “forgot to pass the ball” in Brighton defeat.
- Haaland’s opener cancelled by Milner penalty and Gruda’s late winner.
- Guardiola now winless in three league meetings with Brighton boss Hürzeler.
- City’s struggles blamed on mistakes and adapting new signings.
- Pep urges patience: “Give us a little bit of time. It’s just three games.”
What’s Next?
City head into the international break under scrutiny, winless in two straight Premier League matches. With the Manchester derby against United coming up after the break, Guardiola has little margin for error.
Brighton, meanwhile, ride into Europe with belief that they can challenge even the league’s biggest clubs.
Is Guardiola losing his grip on the Premier League, or will City’s rebuild click after the break?
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