Ilkay Gundogan admits Manchester City are “not strong enough right now” and cannot find the switch to turn their season around.
City’s torrid spell continued as they suffered a damaging 2-0 loss at Juventus on Wednesday that left them in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.
It was their seventh defeat in 10 games in all competitions – a dramatic and uncharacteristic loss of form for a side that have swept all before them in recent seasons.
Midfield veteran Gundogan said: “It just feels like we are not strong enough right now and we have to work on that. The situation is not easy.
“It’s about trying to find the switch to turn things around. We have to do the simple things.
“If we don’t find that click, it’s going to be tough. Every single player has to push themselves individually to be better.
“Individually and collectively – everyone now has to question themselves and try to figure out what to change and what to do to contribute to the team in the best possible way.”
City’s slump has seen them fall well off the pace in their quest to win an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title.
They trail leaders Liverpool by eight points having played a game more and face a further test of their resolve as they host derby rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
“I feel we are not playing that bad, but something is missing,” said 2023 treble-winning captain Gundogan, who rejoined the club in the summer after a year at Barcelona.
“It’s not the time to give away the whole season because there are so many games still to play, which is an opportunity on one side, but we have to turn things around quite quickly.”
City had plenty of possession against Juve but lacked creativity against a side set up to soak up pressure.
Kevin De Bruyne did create a gilt-edged chance for Erling Haaland before the break but he was thwarted by a fine save by goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie then struck in the second half to leave City languishing in 22nd place in the league standings and facing a crucial trip to another struggling giant, Paris St Germain, next month.
City defender Ruben Dias said: “Essentially we were not good enough. Our biggest problem will always be ourselves not being at the best level.
“Juventus are a very strong side but the main focus is on ourselves – we have to be better.
“A moment like this for us at this club doesn’t come very often. Obviously difficult periods always come but we have to look forward, be positive and try and be better every day. That’s the only way to get through it.”