**Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at former players and pundits who have been quick to rule out the likes of his side from the Premier League title race.**
Guardiola, who has guided Manchester City to six Premier League titles since arriving in 2016, has dismissed the idea that early-season form determines the outcome of the campaign, insisting that pundits are too quick to make sweeping judgements about teams.
Manchester City’s mixed start to the 2025/26 season has indeed sparked discussion after a convincing opening weekend win away at Wolves was followed by back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex, leaving Guardiola’s side trailing in the early table.
Those setbacks prompted some media voices to suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool could once again set the pace, but the Catalan coach was in no mood to entertain those narratives. Guardiola has long been known for defending his players and emphasising perspective during challenging periods.
The 54-year-old has often used press conferences to underline the importance of patience, reminding observers that City have historically found rhythm after the opening months of a season.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s trip to face Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend, Pep Guardiola reflected on the thoughts of pundits and former players after the opening three games of the ongoing campaign.
“Well, in the first two games, three games, yeah for sure we are out \[of the Premier League title race\]. And Liverpool is already done, and now it looks like Liverpool is done. And I’ll tell you that they will be back,” Guardiola insisted.
He continued, “I’ve said many times, I know all the pundits, all the specialists or former players, they know everything that is going to happen after five games – I’m not able to do that.
“So, always I wait for 10, 15 games to know exactly what is going on. But I think obviously Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will be there, and hopefully we can be there.”
Pep Guardiola’s latest comments reflect his ongoing frustration with modern football discourse, which often leans toward instant conclusions rather than long-term evaluation.
The Catalan manager has previously clashed with pundits over their assessments of Manchester City’s performances, particularly during periods of transition or tactical experimentation.
Looking ahead, City will be aiming for a statement in the best possible way at Villa Park – a ground that has hosted several dramatic meetings in recent years. Victory would not only take City’s unbeaten run to 10 matches across competitions, but also serve as a statement that Guardiola’s side remain every bit as capable of challenging for major honours as in years past.
With Erling Haaland in history-making form at present and new signings settling into Pep Guardiola’s intricate system, City will be expected to climb quickly. And if history is anything to go by, Guardiola’s words may once again serve as the spark for another City resurgence.