Pep Guardiola has questioned Manchester City's discipline outside the ball when a miserable week dragged them to a dog fight for the places in the Champions League.
City has fallen five points in seven days and there are only one point ahead of Newcastle in the sixth place after having played a game more.
They have nine games to seal a place in the competition next season, with Guardiola insisting that they will be a different proposal, but fearful of the same old mistakes that hinder progress.
The city head said: 'What happened (against Brighton in the 2-2 draw on Saturday) has happened throughout the season. We have to be (more) stable.
'People say how well Manchester City has played in recent years and one of the reasons is our work ethics, our discipline. This season is an exception in our period here together.
“We do not have the same players, we are not the same as the last years, but it will be different next year.”
Pep Guardiola is going through its worst season as Manchester City manager
City dropped points for the second consecutive game on Saturday when they drew with Brighton
Guardiola's team twice took the lead against the seagulls, but the game finally ended 2-2
The city of 40 goals has admitted in the league is more than in any other full guard campaign, and defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are out until May.
Bernardo Silva gave City another scare of injuries against Brighton, driving just 18 minutes from the bank before the Portuguese had to go out with an un specified problem.
“The doctor told me that in two weeks he may recover,” Guardiola added.
“Hopefully I return.”