Pep Guardiola admitted relief rather than enjoyment was the overriding emotion following Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday.
Savinho and Erling Haaland found the net at the King Power Stadium as Guardiola’s side picked up a much-needed victory – only their second in the last 14 matches in all competitions.
But is was far from plain sailing for City, who were celebrating Guardiola’s 500th game in charge. The Foxes produced a spirited display, particularly in the second-half, and will be ruing several squandered opportunities.
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣🆙 for @PepTeam 🩵 pic.twitter.com/KBsx0Lln97
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 29, 2024
For the visitors, it takes some of the weight off what has been a turbulent period for the club in recent weeks.
About the result, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We needed it. All of us.
“It was not the ideal performance but in the moment it’s almost impossible to take it. Hopefully the victories will give our mood a better position.
“It was tight. Twenty minutes of the second half they [Leicester] were much, much better. We don’t have enough energy to sustain across 90-minutes.
“But hopefully the result will help us to bounce back in the New Year.”
The City boss added that it was difficult to feel too happy about the win given recent results.
“It’s not enjoyable it’s just relief right now,” Guardiola said. “That is the real word to express the feeling that we have.”
