Pep Guardiola makes big Manchester City admission ahead of facing Aston Villa

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side face a tough test to get their title challenge back on track, ahead of facing Aston Villa.

It has been an interesting few days for Man City , off the pitch. The Premier League issued a statement on Monday charging the club with more than 100 financial breaches, dating back to the 2009/10 season.

In response to the allegations, Man City stated the club welcomed an independent review and had a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their innocence.

The possible punishments for Man City range from being reprimanded to expulsion from the Premier League. Meanwhile, on the pitch, Guardiola will be trying to galvanise his side to face Villa on Sunday but delivered an honest verdict about his squad after their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

“Normally when we win it is a real team and when we lose it is not,” Guardiola said . “I have a lot of gratitude for these players.

“I always try to do my best. I said many times, I knew that we were not the same after winning a lot – me the first when I talk about that – but the way we try to go and fight for every ball until the end, we try until the end. I always try to do the next step.

“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. We have to try to do it now, we are sad. (Monday) we will watch the game, reflect and then think about Aston Villa – that will be tough – with our people and fans. It will be a long season for everyone and we will try to continue.”

Villa will hope to provide stern opposition and cause Man City further problems in the title race as Unai Emery’s side continue to pursue a top-half finish and possibly contend for Europe. The Spaniard has won five of his first eight league games but will be looking for a positive reaction from his player after losing to Leicester City, last time out.