Pep Guardiola's body language suggests he is running out of ideas as Manchester City's dismal run of form continues, according to an expert.
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City collapse against FeyenoordGuardiola exhibits concerning behaviourEnduring worst run of his managerial careerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Guardiola looked unusually worse for wear after City's stunning collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, showing up for his media duties with a cut on his nose. It had been an extremely stressful evening for the 53-year-old, who watched his side throw away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 – a result which followed five straight defeats in all competitions.
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There are deep issues at the Etihad Stadium right now, and an expert believes Guardiola's body language after the match shows he has "no idea" how to turn things around. The City boss cut his nose by scratching himself, a sign of "extreme anguish", with the City boss later forced to release a statement after making a "hurt myself" comment in his press conference.
WHAT THE BODY LANGUAGE EXPERT SAID
“Pep Guardiola’s press conference is even more telling, it shows that he is absolutely at the end of his patience," Darren Stanton told OLBG. "He is touching his head, shrugging his shoulders and doing hand to mouth gestures.
“He flashes a fake smile and keeps talking about what his team already has rather than what needs to change. I think he has no idea how he’s going to turn things around.
“Non-verbally he is saying that they have no issues which means he cannot work out a strategy going forward which will end this run of form.
“When asked about his cuts he offers a sarcastic response and that is used as a deflection. The fact he has scratched himself is showing extreme anguish and I think it’s because he thinks that he is doing everything right but it hasn’t worked.”
'20 red flags'
Stanton continued by claiming Guardiola displayed "around 20 red flags" as he sat dishevelled on the bench, giving off the look of someone who doesn't believe he will be in charge of City for much longer.
“Pep Guardiola is a broken man. There are around 20 red flags in his behaviour. There are combinations of anger, frustration and devastation," he added.
“These are normal things to expect from someone in his situation, but he’s had disappointment before and not been as animated as he was against Feyenoord. He buries his head in his hands and it’s the opposite of a power stance which would be hands on his hips and feet spread apart.
“He’s almost in a foetal position and trying to curl up in a ball, it’s like he just wants the current situation that he’s found himself in to end. He wants it to be over.
“He's going through purgatory and I think these are the most extreme gestures that we've seen him make. I really believe he feels like he's not going to be around at Manchester City for long.
“He’s dejected, he’s disappointed, he’s angry, when players are mentioned he turns his face away which suggests that they are going to be in for a rollocking.”