City’s slump is set against the backdrop of Guardiola’s unresolved future. He is in the final year of his contract and it was widely expected within the club during the summer that he would leave in 2025, alongside director of football Txiki Begiristain, whose departure, and the arrival of Hugo Viana as his replacement, was confirmed in October.

Pep Guardiola has insisted Jack Grealish will not be fit for Manchester City’s trip to Brighton on Saturday despite the midfielder receiving an England call-up this week.Grealish has played only once since starting City’s 3-2 win over Fulham over a month ago,