Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola says his side have rediscovered their energy and winning mentality following a 2–1 victory over Nottingham Forest, a result he believes signals a return to form after a rare wobble earlier in the season.
City’s win comes on the back of a difficult August in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, when they suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time since December 2018. Guardiola’s team lost 2–0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on August 23, before falling 2–1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Guardiola repeatedly pointed to renewed intensity and focus as the key difference.
“Energy. Energy. Energy.
We’re back. Energy.
We lost last season, me first, and everyone.
Energy. Start to train better. Start to compete better.
Energy. Without that, that is the first action. After, we can talk.”
Guardiola also revealed that internal discussions within the club helped trigger a shift in mindset and approach.
“When you are comfortable in one place, that was.
But after that, we talked and Something changed.
It doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but to be an organised team and now make eight victories in a row is not easy.
The City boss added that better communication with players and refining pressing structures have been crucial, especially as the squad continues to adapt tactically.
“Sometimes you need time.
You talk with the players and say, ‘the way we press here, we’re not comfortable.’
With this mindset, it’s better.”
Manchester City currently sit second in the Premier League standings with 40 points and are on a seven-game unbeaten run, firmly back in the title conversation as momentum builds.
