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Pep Guardiola: If I can’t reverse Manchester City slide then I have to go

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Where are the Vera cast now? Sad death, shock return, new role with famous wife and Barbie movieThe Snapshot: A phenomenal cast of actors is fighting with a script that doesn't match their own talents. It’s a historical battle that’s more fiction than historical. Gladiator II 7 out of 10 14A, 2hrs 28mins. History Action Epic Drama. Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Alexander Karim, Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn. Now Playing at Film.Ca Cinemas , 5 Drive-In, Cineplex Winston Churchill & VIP and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. When it comes to the craftsmanship of the new historical fiction epic Gladiator II , sometimes you’ve got to call ‘em like you colosseum: it’s an average film featuring an ensemble of actors with God-like talents even Juno and Jupiter would be jealous of. It’s been 24 years since Ridley Scott directed the original Gladiator , which went on to win the 2001 Academy Award for Best Picture. That film was much more stark, bleak and more focused on being equal parts history lesson and action epic. Gladiator II , on the other hand, is clearly more focused on being an action epic slash political drama as opposed to being historically accurate. The film grandly stretches the genre of historical fiction to the extreme, but when looked at as a morality tale and obvious fiction, the parts are mostly satisfying. The story is a continuation in the line of Maximus Meridius, who was Russell Crowe’s character that (spoiler alert!) died in his pursuit of purging corruption from third-century Rome. The sequel sees his son Lucius Aurelius (played by the handsome Paul Mescal) come to Rome and begrudgingly continue his late father’s quest. What is that quest? By winning over public opinion as a...you guessed it, a gladiator ! By working under the cunning business man Macrinus (a engrossing Denzel Washington), Lucius takes on the alter ego “Hanno” and climbs the ranks of Roman society. Director Scott has a great eye for action pieces and spectacular fights, especially those set in the colosseum. Still, the sequel’s plot is messier and spends too much time on the political machinations and not enough on Lucius’ training and journey in Rome - most of the supporting cast gets too much time for too few events. Mescal is a worthy star as Lucius, channelling both the calm and rage that defined Crowe’s Maximum. Returning Connie Nielsen as his mother Lucilla is also a welcome turn, as is newcomer Joseph Quinn as the violent Emperor Geta. Strongest among the cast is undoubtedly Washington’s Macrinus - he’s smart, charismatic, ruthless and evolves as a performer throughout the film from mentor to conqueror of his own kind. Washington has already won two Oscars, and yet he’s worthy of a third - even with a muddled plot, Washington shines brilliantly. As an actor, this part might seriously be his crowning achievement. The final product of is one that’s got sweeping set pieces and also too many historical liberties (there were never sharks in a gladiator fight) an odd narrative pacing. The early scenes and final brawl are great, but come too fast, split by a much slower second act. Audiences who abandon most reason and hope for insights into actual Roman history will be satiated with a well-acted exploration of what it means to truly lead and inspire. Lucius’ real dream of Rome that stable democracy and freedom can prevail is a hopeful reminder all of us could use these days.The City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”