Guardiola is relieved after the 500th game’s crucial victory

Manchester City defeated Leicester City 2-0 to mark Pep Guardiola’s 500th game as manager, but the manager was more relieved than ecstatic about what has lately been an uncommon taste of victory.

Guardiola’s struggling team moved up to a provisional fifth place in the Premier League after winning for the first time in five league games, but they are still far behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games remaining and 11 points.

“The term that best describes how we all feel is just relief. It’s just a relief now that we’ve accomplished amazing things and are having trouble winning games,” Guardiola remarked.

“We required it. Every one of us. Although it wasn’t the best effort, hopefully the wins will lift our spirits.

“We must take action for the outcome. You won’t get results if you don’t perform. In the current situation, the most crucial element is the outcome in order to gain points and support our thoughts. Many positive things happened today, and we have another game at home coming up.

Erling Haaland scored to give the visitors some breathing room after City narrowly avoided multiple Leicester chances after Brazilian Savinho scored his first goal in a City shirt in the first half.

HAALILAND BOOST

Haaland, who has only scored twice in his last eight league games during the worst period of his Premier League career, also felt more confident after the goal.

“Sometimes Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football,” Guardiola stated. “He’s worn out from playing so many minutes. In the past few days, he has become a parent for the first time; it has been an exciting and emotional time for him.

In what has been an exhausting run of games, Haaland noted that his players will have a rare few days free until Saturday when they host West Ham United.

“This has been a challenging period. We must persevere, maintain our optimism, and keep our attention on the important things when things happen. “Haaland said.”

“Now that the New Year has here, try not to think about football too much. It’s the longest time in a long time, in my opinion, and we can now take a short break before continuing.”