Guardiola committed himself to it, and not merely by putting pen to paper. He cited the reality that, six months ago, City were crowned champions, FA Cup finalists, a side only knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by Real Madrid.

Manchester City’s collapse in the last few weeks has been as epic as it has been shocking. Five straight losses and a six-game winless run is not what you would associate with the reigning Premier League champions.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has won 18 trophies in his time at the Etihad Stadium and signed a two-year contract extension at the Premier League champions only last week