Frank: Man City dip would not have surprised 'best in the world' Guardiola

Brentford manager Thomas Frank does not believe Manchester City's recent dip in form would have surprised "best coach in the world" Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola's side endured a difficult period towards the end of last year, which included a run of seven consecutive games without a win across all competitions. 

The Citizens have since won their last two Premier League matches, having won just one of their previous nine in the competition (drawn two, lost six), while also thrashing Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round last Saturday. 

The reigning champions find themselves 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and two points adrift of the Champions League places ahead of facing the Bees on Tuesday. 

But Brentford will be hoping to maintain their own European ambitions, while also aiming to return to winning ways on home soil. 

Having won six of their first seven top-flight home games this season – earning more home points than any other side in the process – Brentford have now lost their last two at the Gtech Community Stadium. Only between October and November 2021 have they lost three in a row in the competition.

"A fantastic team with a fantastic coach and fantastic players," Frank said. "I don't think it's a surprise for Pep that they've had a dip. 

"You never know when it is coming, but you know that not one team in the world can consistently just win year after year.

"It's impossible, especially in the best league in the world. What they've done for the past four years shouldn't be possible. It's hugely impressive, and he will go again."

Frank and Guardiola are the Premier League's two longest-serving managers, boasting six years and eight-and-a-half years respectively in their current roles.

Of their seven top-flight meetings, Frank has won just two games to Guardiola's five, averaging a win percentage of just 28.57%. 

"For me, he is the best coach in the world," Frank added. "He's also the outlier when he is that good, because I think he can stay as long as he wants to.

"Of course, everyone needs to perform - even Pep, and he says that himself - but he's that good that he can come up with solutions."