Pep Guardiola must change his Man City message during defining week - the season depends on it

"I am not good enough." It's a phrase you would never expect to come out of Pep Guardiola's mouth but in another engrossing and engaging press conference, the Manchester City manager looked beaten after seeing his side chuck away a crucial derby day victory.

Guardiola has become a strangely captivating figure in recent weeks. It's often the case that managers become more interesting in media commitments when their teams are struggling rather than when they are flying. It's true of Guardiola, who has been introspective, emotional and open as he has discussed City's difficulties during a win of one win in 11 games.

He was the former on Sunday, when assessing another defeat in an alarming run. "I am completely convinced what I am saying that I am not good enough to find a way that players feel peace in their bodies and minds to play," he said. It's a quote that offers up more questions than it does answers.

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There has been defiance during this run, but his tone is beginning to change. Listening to him in recent weeks, you are starting to ask why he has signed that two-year contract extension. It's easy to look at and listen to him and feel the obligation of rebuilding the team is a higher calling than enjoying what he is still doing.

That is never going to work for Guardiola, and if that feeling begins to seep into the dressing room, then there will be a problem. When the City players hear their manager say he doesn't have an answer after Sunday's derby defeat, it will only add to their own uncertainties.

The 53-year-old has signed a new deal until