Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola admitted it will be a tough season for them after the Champions League draw against Feyenoord. The Cityzens were comfortably leading by 3-0 but gave away the advantage in the last 15 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

The Sky Blues have gone winless in their last six matches with five losses and one draw. Guardiola’s team were in fifth place in the Champions League standings at one stage but they are now struggling at 15th position.

Erling Haaland scored a brace for Manchester City whereas Gundogan also found the back of the net in the 50th minute but the visitors made a heroic comeback in the last quarter of the game.

“It will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it for many circumstances,” said Guardiola. “Today unfortunately the game was well done and we couldn’t punish them in the right moment. The team was so committed in many, many things but unfortunately in the moment something happens and we are not strong enough. We have to try and avoid those mistakes.”

Guardiola said he had nothing to say to his players after they threw away the advantage and admitted it is a difficult pill to swallow.

“It was not necessary to say anything to them, they know it perfectly,” said the City boss. “It is what it is, difficult to swallow right now. The game was good, we played well, we scored three and could have scored more. It’s not about no run or no commitment, but football you have to be [switched on] in certain moments to do it. Rest one or two days and prepare for Anfield.”

“We have to, we have to,” he said on lifting his players. “That is my job.”

Manchester City will next take on Premier League’s table-toppers Liverpool at the Anfield on Sunday.