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A clearer picture of Guardiola, his family life & the media

Pep Guardiola with his hands partially covering his faceGetty Images

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City suffered a run of just one win in nine league games in November and December

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has never experienced a season like this in his managerial career.

A record run of defeats, an injury crisis, uncertainty over his contract and a rapid squad rebuild approaching.

Guardiola said his sleep and diet were being affected by an "ugly" state of mind around his side's crisis, and he came to one post-match news conference with very visible "nervous" scratches all over his head.

In December BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague - who has authored biographies on Guardiola - wrote about the City manager's "insecurities" and "huge self-doubt".

And this week Guardiola's private life has been the subject of media headlines, with widespread reports he and wife Cristina Serra are formally separating, leading to speculative opinion pieces about the possible impact on his job.

Balague said: "It was all very discreetly agreed and they asked the close circle to keep the news quiet. They remain friends."

Here, Balague and BBC Sport chief football news writer Simon Stone provide a clearer picture of what's going on.

How big a factor was family life in him staying at Man City?

Guardiola signed a two-year extension in November to stay at Manchester City until the summer of 2027.

Guillem Balague:

"The biggest question Pep asked himself was: 'Can I stay a couple of years more in Manchester? Have I got the energy? Does it affect harmony in my world">