For the first time in years, Pep Guardiola could feel like he has a point to prove in anticipation of the 2025/2026 season.
As the Manchester City boss failed to win a trophy for the first season since the 2016/2017 campaign, his pride may have been hurt.
Guardiola chose to sign a new contract as he did not wish to depart City in the same summer as Txiki Begiristain and now it is the Catalan boss’ responsibility to steer the Sky Blues towards greatness once again.
Erling Haaland is motivated behind the scenes himself as well, with the star striker willing not to go on vacation and spend the summer training to prepare for next season.
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland smiling during Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola is up for next season behind the scenes
Haaland’s attitude will be music to Pep Guardiola’s ears as first and foremost, the veteran would require his Manchester City squad to be up for the challenge of becoming top dogs again in the following campaign.
There is belief in Manchester City’s dressing room that next season, they could stake a claim for the title and the injection of fresh blood into their squad would push the old guard in particular to hit new heights.
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Speaking on The Game Football Podcast, The Times journalist Paul Hirst revealed that people close to Pep Guardiola have noticed that he had a renewed sense of energy during the FIFA Club World Cup unlike his dour self last season: “He always says, before the first game of the season, he always talks about how he’s had a really long break. Like he’s being sarcastic basically. You know, he really doesn’t like the fact that, you know, they have such little time in between seasons, holidays etc. But he really had a real spring in his step in Miami.”
Hirst added: “He was just, he was so, so kind of upbeat and so positive and so interactive with the players. You could see Joe in training and outside of training. And even with us, you know, he was quite chatty and, you know, he hates the media.”
“Or, you know, he just dislikes it, doing so much of it. But he was quite kind of chatty with us, quite frank, quite open, quite, quite chirpy and happy to engage basically. So I think he does. He’s certainly got that that vigour back. And, you know, speaking to people around him as well, they were saying that as well. They were saying, crikey, this guy’s, you know, he’s up for it.”
Pep Guardiola’s 12-word message is a warning to Liverpool and Arsenal
Manchester City fans will be delighted to know that despite his side’s struggles last season, Pep Guardiola has no intention of throwing in the towel.
The two-time treble-winner is a serial winner and considering how deep-rooted his connection is with City, he would ideally like to leave them in a good place for the future before eventually leaving.
After returning to action, Pep Guardiola looked forward to the Club World Cup as well.
Guardiola said via Manchester City’s official YouTube channel: “It’s good to be back.”
“Come on, we’ll rest when we die.”
The former Bayern Munich boss’ enthusiastic message should worry title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal as a rejuvenated Pep Guardiola could lead Manchester City to the summit of English football again.