Stefan Ortega has backed Pep Guardiola to rescue Manchester City from their crisis and prove why he’s the best manager in the world.
The English champions have been left shell-shocked following a winless run of seven games in all competitions. City’s humbling defeat at Liverpool on Sunday has left them 11 points behind Arne Slot’s league leaders.
But Ortega admits Guardiola is working overtime in bid to solve his team’s problems. And he believes the Spaniard will bounce back, to have the last laugh on his critics.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola has dig at Liverpool fans as they chant ‘sacked in the morning’
READ MORE: Pep to be given ‘£200million war chest’ to try and turn City’s season around
Ortega said: “We’re used to winning probably a bit more games in a row. So everyone is disappointed, and everyone is trying to find a solution, especially the coach up front.
“And I’m pretty sure he will find a solution, and we as players will follow him.”
Despite backing Guardiola, Ortega admits the situation the champions find themselves in feels surreal. He added: “Yeah, a bit (surreal).
(Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“I’ve been in this situation in my career before, with many more games without a win, but when you see our team and all the quality…. But I can tell the spirit inside this club, especially with the team, is intact.
“We are in December, and I learned, especially here in England, this season is really long and really tough. We won’t give up.”
Ortega’s team-mate Kyle Walker took to social media to urge everyone at the club to stick together with a siege mentality.
The England defender said: “We know our recent performances haven’t been up to the standard we expect – and we’re aware it’s been tough. But we’ve been through these challenges before, together, and we’ll come through this one as well.
(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s important that we all stay together as one club, Manchester City, through this tough spell. Your support whether in good times or the difficult moments means everything to us.
“We’ve won titles in the final games of the season, and we’ve made history with a record-breaking 100-point campaign, right down to the last kick.
“We’ve shown time and time again that we can rise to the challenge, and we will do so again, I promise you. We’ll fight until the very end.”