This blow came at the hands of Ruben Amorim, who will soon take charge at Old Trafford after being named Erik ten Hag’s successor.
City took an early lead at the Estadio Jose Alvalade through Phil Foden and had several chances to extend their advantage. But the match took a sudden turn when Viktor Gyokeres scored just before half-time, equalising for Sporting.
Sporting then seized control in the second half with two quick goals. Maxi Araujo’s strike was soon followed by a penalty converted by Gyokeres, putting the Portuguese side firmly in command.
City had a chance to respond when Erling Haaland stepped up to the penalty spot, but his shot struck the crossbar. Gyokeres then added a second penalty, sealing an emphatic 4-1 win for Sporting.
Amorim’s impressive performance marked one of his final games before he joins Manchester United.
Before the game, Guardiola dismissed the notion of a budding rivalry with the incoming United boss, saying, “I don’t think so. From the outside, I don’t know him. But from the outside, he looks like a lovely guy.
“When I see him in the dugout, he behaves much, much better than me. Honestly, I am really pleased that he is coming to England to play [with] United. I think both clubs have a lot of respect in the hierarchy.”
However, after the game, Guardiola’s tone shifted.
Addressing United fans, he remarked, “We will face them two times in the Premier League and maybe the FA Cup. In the Champions League, it is not possible. Then we will see. I learn from all the managers I face. Ruben, I think, as well. But my concern is on getting us back to our best which we will try to do.”
This defeat marks the first time City have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions since April 2018.
Despite the setback, Guardiola remains resolute.
“It is a tough challenge, but I am here. It will be a tough season – we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it,” he said.
Reflecting on City’s fluctuating form, Guardiola added, “Life is like this. Maybe in the past six Premier Leagues in seven years and four in a row is an exception. Sometimes you lose. Today we were really good – Bournemouth, no, they deserve it. We played really bad against Bournemouth and played really good today.”
He praised young defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who stepped up with a commendable performance, saying, “I know how we behave today, how good we were, and how a young central defender [Jahmai Simpson-Pusey], what an exceptional game he played.”
Guardiola concluded with determination: “We are alive in all competitions, and we will continue. We are coming back to Manchester to prepare the game against Brighton. I am not giving up. Maybe people are waiting, but I am not giving up.”