Slumping Spurs a ‘problem’ for Man City – Guardiola

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola looks on before the start of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on February 15, 2022. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA / AFP)

Pep Guardiola fears Tottenham’s recent slump could cause a problem for Manchester City as Antonio Conte’s side bid to bounce back against the Premier League leaders.

City host Tottenham on Saturday looking to hand the visitors a fourth successive league defeat.

In contrast to Tottenham’s dismal run, City have won 14 of their last 15 league games to move nine points clear at the top.

But Guardiola has no intention of taking another victory for granted given his admiration for Tottenham manager Conte.

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) celebrates after Manchester City’s English midfielder Raheem Sterling (L) scored his team’s fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on February 15, 2022. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA / AFP)

“It’s difficult for top teams to lose four times in a row. We need to try, but it’s not easy. They have a lot of weapons.”

Conte, in charge at Tottenham since November, caused controversy this week when he said his club’s transfer dealings “may have, on paper, weakened” the squad during the January window.

That sparked speculation that Conte would not last much longer at eighth-placed Tottenham, but Guardiola is confident the Italian will get it right given time.

“I would say I don’t have words, for the fact that I learn a lot watching his teams as a manager, the movement and many things,” Guardiola said.

“He showed it