Guardiola reveals non-Palmer transfer ‘mistake’ as he ‘regrets’ letting go of ‘extraordinary’ star

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has admitted he “regrets” letting one of his former players leave the Premier League side.

Under the GuardiolaMan City are going through a crisis as their 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday was their second win in 14 matches in all competitions.

Man City The Premier League has moved up to sixth place in the table. They are already 14 points behind table-toppers Liverpool, Who also has a game in hand.

The Premier League side have been unusually erratic in the transfer market in recent windows. A huge rebuild is needed next year as they are currently far from their best.

Guardiola has fiercely defended his spendthrift players of late, but has admitted to former winger Jesus Navas that he “regrets” leaving him when he did.

Read: Five Premier League moves we could see happen in the January transfer window.

The 39-year-old joined Man City from La Liga outfit Sevilla for around £15 million during the 2013 summer transfer window.

He was signed by former boss Manuel Pellegrini and eventually became a key player under Guardiola, who switched him to right-back at the end of his spell at Man City.

The Spaniard made 183 appearances in all competitions for Man City before returning to Sevilla after four years at the Etihad.

During a chat with the winger (who has announced his retirement), Guardiola admitted he would have “loved” to work “more” with his former player.

“Thank you for the gift of a year together. You don’t know how sorry I am to see you go,” Guardiola admitted.

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“I wanted you to stay here longer, but sometimes you make mistakes. Congratulations to all Sevillistas for having such an extraordinary player and someone who defines Sevillismo.

“For many years to come, Sevillistas, don’t let it slip. Keep it close and with you all. Farewell.”

Last year, Guardiola admitted that he should have extended his contract. He said: “Perhaps now I would have extended Jesus’ contract.

“It was an old team in that era, a lot of players were over 30. There were a lot of changes this year. It’s incredible to see him at 37, 38, how committed he is to Sevilla.

Navas added: “I grew up (in the city) a lot.

“We have Manuel Pellegrini here. I will always be grateful. We enjoyed many titles and I also want to thank Guardiola. His ideas are incredible; as a coach, he is fantastic.”