Manager Pep Guardiola disagreed with Bernardo Silva's assertion that Manchester City were "in a difficult situation" after the match against Sporting. The Spaniard believes the team's performance was "really good", despite the result being a clear defeat.
"I won't give up, that's for sure" - Guardiola said after the loss to Sporting.
Rarely have the Citizens under Guardiola found themselves in such a difficult position as they are now. They have become accustomed to dominating English football since Guardiola arrived in 2016.
However, off-field issues are taking their toll on Man City, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain leaving and allegations of financial misconduct looming.
Is the pressure from the outside noise finally seeping into the Premier League champions' dressing room? Guardiola's public disagreement with Silva's comments may suggest so.
"I don't agree with Bernardo Silva. We are not on the dark side. We played very badly against Bournemouth but very well against Sporting. The only regret is conceding the third and fourth goals.
We knew it was going to be a difficult season from the start. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and support my players. That's life. We'll keep going," Guardiola said.
Things won't get any easier for City as they face their fourth away game in 10 days, with Guardiola's side travelling to the south coast of England to face Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton.
However, one positive is that this is Man City's last game before the international break, giving them a crucial two-week window to get some key players back from injury.
Jack Grealish, John Stones and Ruben Dias are all expected to return from the break, with Man City hosting Tottenham at the Etihad at the end of November. They then have a Champions League clash with Feyenoord before facing Liverpool at Anfield.
Guardiola will once again face Ruben Amorim in the Manchester derby on December 15. It will not be an easy journey. Man City's squad will be severely tested in the coming weeks. And this could decide whether they succeed or fail this season.
