Guardiola says he'd be 'Fraudiola' without his players in wake of Norwich defeat

Manchester City suffer their first defeat of the Premier League campaign to leave them five points behind leaders Liverpool

Pep Guardiola refused to criticise Manchester City side after their shock 3-2 defeat at Norwich City, saying they are the same players that stopped him being known as 'Fraudiola'.

"They gave me all the prestige I have in England, when the first season when it was Fraud Guardiola, Fraudiola," he said.

"This kind of game here in England - it’s not possible to play because you need to have tackles and you have to play like that - these players gave me the prestige that I have.

"And now all around the world people say how good a manager I am - it’s for them, not for me."

The defeat to newly-promoted Norwich was their first in the Premier League since Newcastle in January and leaves them five points behind leaders Liverpool.

But Guardiola put the blame on his tactical decisions and individual errors rather than a lack of spirit which was lacking in the defeat at St James' Park.

"With Newcastle it was completely different, we scored one goal and we forgot to play, [against Norwich] that didn’t happen," he added.

"We were not precise up front or we made individual mistakes but I am responsible for that, but that is part of the game.

"Sometimes it happens and the players know it’s not necessary to tell them or watch some clips.

"Right now in the locker room they know they have to improve on that or it will not be possible to compete [for the title]."