In a candid admission, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his disappointment in both his and the team's performance this season, stating that efforts have been "really poor" as the reigning champions fight to return to their previous title-winning form.

Since Guardiola took the helm in 2016, Manchester City has celebrated remarkable success, clinching six Premier League titles. However, this season has seen a significant downturn, with the club currently sitting in fifth place, an astonishing 22 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

"My duty was to get out of the situation much better than I have done," the 54-year-old Spaniard confessed to reporters, reflecting on a challenging few months that have tested the team’s resolve and his managerial capabilities.

Looking ahead, City is gearing up for a critical FA Cup quarter-final clash against Bournemouth on Sunday. With the opportunity to lift the coveted trophy for an eighth time, Guardiola does underscore that even success in the FA Cup or securing a spot in next season's Champions League would not compensate for the disappointments of this domestic campaign.

"Of course, it would be nice to win the FA Cup and qualify for the Champions League," he acknowledged. "That would be a great achievement, but let's be clear—the season has been poor, and that’s not going to change. Our standards and many other aspects have not been good, and that is the reality... Hopefully, it will not happen next season."

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Guardiola and his ability to motivate his players and restore Manchester City to their rightful place among England’s elite. Fans are eager to see if the team can rebound from this disappointing campaign and reclaim their status in both domestic and European competitions. Will Guardiola find a spark to ignite a comeback, or is this the beginning of a troubling trend for the once-dominant City? Only time will tell.