Three Pep Guardiola moments at Brighton hint at major Manchester City transfer in January

Not all was lost for Pep Guardiola at the Amex Stadium.

After a fourth consecutive defeat, at least the manager succeeded in tapping up Dutch centre-back Jean Paul van Hecke on the pitch and in his post-match press conference.

His charm offensive even saw the Catalan interrupt the defender to say goodbye when he was speaking in the mixed zone. And van Hecke, who was involved in a late tussle with , reacted like a lovestruck teenager.

Told about Guardiola’s public praise, Van Hecke said: “He said that? Wow, That is good. It is a proud moment for me. I think he is the best coach in the .”

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

It was a footnote to a strange night in City’s increasingly unpredictable season.

The Catalan coach had just witnessed his injury-ravaged team suffer a second-half collapse which later saw them fall five points behind leaders . There is ongoing uncertainty - which he could end tomorrow - over his future and also over a new contract for Kevin de Bruyne. And then there are the 115 charges.

So what does Guardiola do at full time after the worst run of his managerial career? Start a long, initially heated conversation with an opposition player under the pretence of finding out what had led to the bookings of Haaland and Van Hecke.

“We were just speaking about the foul at the end in the box,” said the Dutchman. “Was he critical of me? No, he just asked me what happened in the box and I just explained. He just congratulated me. I said they had a great team.

"He is a great manager. You see the way his team played at the end of last season, we lost 4-0 and I felt like the whole game I was in the rondo. Did I find it strange he came and spoke to me. No - it has happened before. Though not every week!”

Guardiola praised van Hecke’s ability to “link inside” and called him “a really, really good player”. Maybe City fans should take this as evidence that the Catalan is already planning reinforcements for his side for next season.

Or that his time in England has taught him to be a good loser. His post-match behaviour was philosophical bordering on whimsical. Asked if his side could yet go on a long winning run, Guardiola said: “Are you serious? And I have to try to win one!”

And he is definitely looking forward to the international break to allow the reinforcement of a defence which lacked Ruben Dias and while Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji remained on the bench.

“I think everyone needs it,” he said.

But there will still be no Rodri - and there is an increasing reliance on Haaland who gave City the 26th-minute lead with his 15th goal of the season. When he was shackled, the champions offered little other threat. Savinho flattered to deceive while has yet to score a goal this season. They miss Julian Alvarez and even while Kevin De Bruyne is looking for form and fitness.

“Our team did really well to press and kept them away from our goal,” said van Hecke. Brighton reacted after the break with subs Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley scoring in a mad five minutes. And City could not get react.

ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol said: “Yes they have got injuries but it feels like something is coming to the end with this team. They really didn’t have a response. It almost looked like they had nothing left. We are not even at and they looked jaded by the end of the game.”

City had a 32-match Premier League unbeaten run until and still have 27 matches to retain their title. But the visit to Anfield comes on Sunday December 1. A third Premier League of the season then will be more serious.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our