'We needed a shake' - Pep Guardiola warns Man City could miss out on top four after winless run

Manchester City's winless run was 'necessary', Pep Guardiola says, as he launched a passionate appeal to his players to use their drop in form to buck their ideas up - or risk failing to qualify for the Champions League.

City have gone four games without a win in the Premier League for the first time since Guardiola's debut season at the Etihad, prompting the manager to admit his side were 'struggling' after being outplayed at Aston Villa this week.

After slipping to fourth, Guardiola recalled how he felt his side 'needed a shake' a month ago before their slump, in order for them to realise the extent of their previous achievements and to get themselves in a position to defend their titles this season.

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"In those moments I’m positive, mentally I’m so strong," he began, explaining how he needed the wake-up call just as much as his players.

"As a manager I sometimes need that. I need that challenge. I would say something: I think for everyone it is good, living what we are living. I would say I think it’s necessary to live that.

"We’ve lived it many, many times. For a long time, we’ve lived [comfortable] like a cat and how good we are. We need it to say, 'guys, this business, it’s terrible. It’s terrible. You are unbeatable and then, oh my God, you cannot win one game. From nothing.' I said in the big moments, I realised that.

"Maybe for myself first, I need that challenge to prove myself, that I’m a good manager. To help the players overcome that situation. For the players it’s a good challenge to say, 'oh my God, Aston Villa were