Last Updated:
Guardiola’s City finished third in a season highlighted by personal issues for the Spanish tactician and an injury that ruled Balon d’Or winner Rodri out for most of the campaign.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (AP)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held back from laying out statements of the Mancunian side’s chance of clinching the Premier League title next year, after failing to defend the title, which was picked up by Liverpool under Arne Slot in the Dutchman’s debut season.
Guardiola’s City finished third behind Liverpool and Arsenal with 71 points in a season highlighted by personal issues for the Spanish tactician and an injury that ruled Balon d’Or winner Rodri out for most of the campaign.
When quizzed if City would dethrone Liverpool in the upcoming season, Guardiola said, “I don’t know. I never thought we would win six Premier League titles in seven years.”
“But if you expect that I am going to tell you now that next season we are going to win the Premier League, you are wrong,” the Catalan added.
ALSO READ| Erik Ten Hag Named Head Coach Of Bundesliga Side Bayer Leverkusen
Guardiola touched on how it was his first season at City that he failed to breach the 80-point threshold and acknowledged the various reason behind the same.
“Since I have arrived at this club, we have finished with 80-plus points and this season we have finished with 71 so that is miles away from our standards. And it has happened for many reasons,” the 54-year-old said.
“Sport and football gives you another chance and we will look to prove ourselves,” he added.
Guardiola, however, added that Liverpool are miles ahead of his side at the moment and expressed his uncertainty about heading into the upcoming season at the end of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup slated to begin on the 15th of June in the USA.
“But we are miles away from Liverpool. That is the reality. I have a feeling next season will be better but I don’t know how we will react after the Club World Cup. We will be exhausted without a holiday before next season.
“We have to rise and increase our level otherwise we will not compete to fight for the titles. But if we are fit, we will try and we will be closer,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach added.
ALSO READ| ‘Link With Madrid Never Ended’, Says Real Madrid New Boss Xabi Alonso
The Spaniard wet on to suggest that his squad might not need a huge overhaul ahead of the subsequent campaign despite the departure of star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola stated that there might be a couple of fresh faces, but the core of the group would most likely remain the same.
“I have 24 players and I saw them training the other day and I said: ‘Oh my gosh, how good are they?'”
“New faces will come, especially in positions where we are weaker, but I don’t think we need a lot. We have a good squad and I don’t want a lot of players,” he added.
“But we will see. The summer is long. There will be players who realise they don’t play and want to leave. But that is now not my business. I qualified for the Champions League and the rest belongs to the club,” Guardiola concluded.
- Location :
United Kingdom (UK)
- First Published:
