City have been beset with injury problems of late and had six senior stars out for the 2-1 loss at Brighton – John Stones, Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish as well as more long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
Guardiola believes the return of several of his first teamers, boosted by a break in domestic action during the international break, will herald a change in fortunes for his champions.
And he says the challenge of bringing his Blues back to their best is one he’s looking forward to.
“I will reflect in these ten days, clear our heads, players come back fit, this is the target,” the boss said.
“When the players come back, I’d like to play the level of the first half.
“Today was a really good first half. 70 minutes was really good.
“I know how we are playing. I won’t convince you. The level we’re playing is really good in certain moments but we are not able to continue for a long time.
“I’m sure when the players come back, they can make some individual qualities on the team and we’ll be back.
“We lost two games in the Premier League. Of course, we have to change and get back to winning.
“When the players come back I have no doubts we’ll be back to the best.
“This is my challenge, I love a challenge. I won’t step back, more than ever I want to do it. We will try again.
“We try to analyse how we perform - four in a row. Okay. The question is how we are playing.
“Bournemouth deserve it, but the games were really good…Spurs, the young lads. There were many positive things in Lisbon and today but we lost.
“It looks like excuses. This is what I feel. When we play bad, I’m the first to say. I don’t have that feeling.”
