Honestly, I’m not happy with his performance; he refused to follow my instructions” — Pep Guardiola blasts one City player for his shambolic performance yesterday

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not hold back in his post-match assessment following his side’s 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025. The Spanish tactician expressed his frustration over the team’s inability to execute his tactical plan effectively, particularly singling out one player for failing to adhere to instructions.

City twice took the lead in the game, with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush finding the net, but they were pegged back on both occasions. Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán scored a stunning free-kick, and an own goal from young defender Abdukodir Khusanov gifted the visitors a point. Guardiola’s displeasure was evident in his post-match interview as he lamented the lack of discipline and execution from certain players.

“We have to show that we can play in the same way we played, let’s say, the last 60 minutes, over the whole period, and then it’s possible to win against a team like Chelsea,” Guardiola stated, making it clear that consistency was his main concern. His frustration was further compounded by the fact that City had enough chances to kill the game but lacked the composure to do so.

While Guardiola did not explicitly name the player who disregarded his instructions, sources within the club suggest that he was particularly unhappy with one of his midfielders. The City boss was reportedly frustrated with the player’s positioning and defensive contributions, which left the team vulnerable to Brighton’s counterattacks.

This is not the first time Guardiola has publicly voiced his concerns about his team’s form and individual performances. Following a recent defeat to Manchester United, he admitted, “I’m not good enough,” in a moment of self-reflection, emphasizing the need for introspection and improvement within the squad.

City’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and Guardiola’s frustration is understandable. With the Premier League title race heating up, any slip-ups could prove costly in their bid to retain the trophy. The manager’s latest comments suggest that he is prepared to take decisive action if certain players fail to meet his high expectations.

The match against Brighton exposed City’s defensive frailties, particularly in dealing with set pieces and counterattacks. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in Europe, Guardiola has been vocal about the team’s need for greater focus and discipline in crucial moments.

City fans have also started to express concerns over the team’s recent dip in form. Some have questioned Guardiola’s squad rotation and tactical adjustments, while others believe certain players are not stepping up when needed. The manager’s public criticism of an unnamed player adds another layer of intrigue to an already challenging period for the club.

As City prepares for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial clash against Chelsea, Guardiola’s message is clear: players must follow his tactical instructions or risk being dropped. The Spaniard has never shied away from making tough decisions, and those who fail to meet his standards could find themselves on the bench.

The identity of the player in question remains unknown, but speculation is rife. Some fans suspect it could be a midfielder who has struggled with defensive duties, while others believe it could be a winger who failed to track back. Regardless of who it is, Guardiola’s dissatisfaction signals potential changes in the starting lineup.

Despite the disappointing draw, City remains in contention for multiple trophies this season. Guardiola will be hoping his team can respond positively to his criticism and deliver a dominant performance in their next game.

The next few weeks will be crucial for City’s campaign. With a packed fixture schedule, including domestic and European commitments, Guardiola will need to ensure his squad is mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead.

As the season progresses, Guardiola’s ability to manage egos and maintain discipline within the squad will be put to the test. His latest comments suggest he is willing to take a firm stance to ensure City remains competitive at the highest level.

City’s dressing room dynamics will also be interesting to monitor. Will the unnamed player respond positively to Guardiola’s public criticism, or will tensions rise within the squad? Only time will tell.

For now, the focus shifts to City’s next match. Guardiola will demand a response from his players, and fans will be eager to see if the team can bounce back with a convincing performance.

With the Premier League title race still wide open, every point matters. City cannot afford any more slip-ups, and Guardiola’s latest outburst might just be the wake-up call the squad needs.

Guardiola’s legacy at City is already secured, but his hunger for success remains unmatched. The coming weeks will reveal whether his public criticism serves as motivation or causes further disruptions within the squad.