Losing 2-1 at Wolves and 1-0 to Arsenal created a rare statistic under Guardiola’s reign – back-to-back league losses.
But the City boss says it has happened – it doesn’t happen very often – and the challenge is getting back to winning ways quickly.
“It’s what it is,” said Pep.
“Sometimes we make many good runs after an international break, but it’s not good that we lost two games in a row in the Premier League – the first time for a long time, and it’s a challenge.
“I’ve said many times, it is an exception for us to lose two in a row (something we haven’t done) for how many years? - it’s an incredible compliment.
“You have to admit that we have to break it quickly, because in the Premier League you take some naps after lunch or whatever and your opponents fly - and they are so difficult to catch.
“On the other side you have 90 points left to play for. Nine zero. How many things will happen in the Premier League? How many?
“Always I learn this. The Premier League is never finished.
“No, we have lots to play and lots to face, every season is tough, and we need to accept the challenge is bigger than ever.
“We have to be humble enough - like I think we are - to accept the others have been better and we have to improve.
“We have to come back and try to win games as much as possible to be contenders for the title.”
Guardiola was also asked whether he is happy to have a relatively small squad, given some of the injuries his squad have picked up this season.
He replied he is, because handling a larger group can lead to difficult situations – if everyone is fit.
“What happens when there is no injuries? You have 30 players and how to handle that?” he said.
“If we start with 10 injures at the beginning of the season, I’d say yes I want 30 players - but if you have none and have good doctors and physios that help you avoid it, (then what?).
“I couldn’t handle the sadness of the players (not playing) for a long time.
“If you don’t have injuries it’s not sustainable from my point of view.”
CITY V BRIGHTON APP COVERAGE
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad Stadium in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:55pm (UK).
Paul Dickov, Steve Howey and Dakota Ditcheva will be our special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann with former City skipper Andy Morrison on co-comms while our text commentary continues.
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Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will also be available.
