Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) speaks to (from L) Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City's English midfielder James McAtee and Manchester City's English defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey during the UEFA Champions League football match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola (left) has admitted his side are not stable after dropping a three-goal lead in the Uefa Champions League match against Feyenoord on Tuesday evening. Picture: Darren Staples/AFP
Image: Darren Staples/AFP
In what was the first time Manchester City failed to win a game they had led by three goals since 1989, the English Premier League champions drew 3-3 with Feyenoord in their Champions League encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening.
In fact, City collapsed as they let their three-goal advantage slip in the final 15 minutes of the game, which was a first in the Champions League.
Though it did break City’s five-game losing streak, it didn’t exactly feel like steadying the ship for coach Pep Guardiola.
The once impenetrable defence of City was again at its weakest for all to see.
"We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable," said Guardiola. "We give them the first and the other ones and that is why it is difficult."
"We lost a lot of games lately. We are fragile and of course we need a victory," added Guardiola.
"The game (at 3-0) was good for the confidence, playing a good level and the first time something happens we have problems."
City now have another massive fixture next, a trip to take on Liverpool at Anfield in the league on Sunday.
Liverpool have an eight-point lead at the top over City, and when Guardiola was asked how his side would regather ahead of the match, he did not have much insight: "Rest one or two days, clear the head mentally, and think of the next (game).”
Meanwhile, City Defender Nathan Ake struggled to explain his side’s performance.
"At 3-0 up we played quite well, had the game under control and it all changed," said the Dutch international. "We have to remain mentally more strong,” said Ake.
"When you are 3-0 up it feels like a defeat. It's a tough night but the only thing we can do is look forward to the next one, it's another challenge we have to overcome.
"We've not been many times in this situation, this is when we have to show our character and stay together."