New Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the finest managers in football today, but he hadn't tested his mettle in the Premier League while earning his glowing reputation.
Having joined the Etihad club over the summer, the Spaniard has been going through a baptism of fire, winning just four of his last 15 matches after coming out on top inhis first 10.
However, he insists that he will stick to his methods, and has asked for time, using Sir Alex Ferguson as an example in his plea for patience.
"Ferguson, my idol, took 11 years to win the league," said Guardiola, quoted byMarca."Liverpool, a historic club, have gone many years without winning. Give me time guys.
"I hope I'm given time as all coaches have struggled in English football, not just myself. Of course, we have to accept that in the last month we haven't been doing well and I won't defend that.
SPOTTED: Pep Guardiola on The Jeremy Kyle Show this morning. ï‘€ pic.twitter.com/j0QyGPmTNo
"In this world, when things aren't going well, you have to accept the criticism but I hope that you will give me more time."
Guardiola does admit that he is responsible for the turn of events at City.
"We will continue playing football as we have been," he added. "I think a lot about how I want to play. Coaches always look to win but in football, anything can happen.
"What happened against Chelsea [a 3-1 loss], we didn't deserve that. If that hadn't happened, we would be leading the Premier League.We have to minimise our mistakes, especially in defence. I am the main culprit as my job is to help players avoid making these mistakes."