Pep Guardiola finds himself in unusual territory as he tries to work out how to turn things around at Manchester City after a surprise slump following eight years of almost unbroken success. City's 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday was a third straight loss for the English champions -- the first time that has happened since 2018.

Midfielder Bernardo Silva said the side were in a 'dark place' after the defeats against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting in three different competitions. But Guardiola had a more optimistic outlook, pledging to 'fight and not give up'.