'Write them off at your peril' - Former Manchester City boss backs Pep Guardiola to lead recovery

Stuart Pearce warned critics to write off Pep Guardiola at their peril after Manchester City’s dramatic slump in form.

The four-time defending league champions suffered five straight losses in all competitions before blowing a three-goal lead in just 14 Champions League minutes against Feyenoord on Tuesday night. That capitulation came after they succumbed to a humbling 4-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Yet while City's recent run may prove cause for concern as they struggle to cope with the absence of Ballon D'Or winner Rodri, former manager Pearce – who also made 38 appearances for the club in his lone season in Manchester - isn't ready to write off his former side just yet.

ALSO READ: Liverpool just gave Man City something invaluable ahead of Premier League title showdown

ALSO READ: 'Be hostile' - Viral Liverpool tweet urges 'horrible' Man City welcome

“I think missing Rodri is a major problem for them,” said Pearce. There was talk about it but they won the first few games after he was injured and everyone thought ‘Hang on, maybe it’s ok’. The win ratio when he’s in the team is absolutely incredible, it tells you everything and they’re suffering at the moment but if you write City off, you do it at your own peril.

“They’re that good. Their manager is world-class and we talk about world class at the drop of a hat but he’s maybe the best manager that’s ever lived. He’s that good at what he does and if he’s still at the helm driving City on, if they win the Premier League or the Champions League this year it wouldn’t surprise me.

“Nothing’s been won or lost at the moment but there’s still a long way to go. They’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Pearce was speaking at Shefford Sports Ground, home of