Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts on the development of Manchester City this campaign.
The club aimed to bounce back from a trophyless season in 2024/25, the first of its kind since the Spaniard started in the dugout at the Etihad Stadium in 2016/17. From the fears of a lack of output with a firing Erling Haaland to questions about the return of Rodri and defensive stability in the spine, inconsistencies have hurt the team during the first seven months of the schedule.
However, their last three fixtures have signalled that the team are bringing their best to the run-in. A 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final clinched a major honour to tick off a key target.
‘We are still here’
A 4-0 beatdown of Liverpool followed in the FA Cup quarter-final and then came a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, the Gunners have not given the impression that the loss has left no impact, bowing out of the FA Cup quarter-finals against Southampton and losing 2-1 against Bournemouth on home soil last week. Suddenly, City could be in contention for a domestic treble.
The Citizens have benefitted from the acquisitions of Premier League proven figures in Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo in the winter window while Rayan Cherki has emerged as a trusted figure, fulfilling his promise as a genial creative force with the quality to combine stardust and impact. But for Pep, there were signs that the side were on the road to recovery from the start of the season.
*"I had the feeling in January when we played Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton. These three games we were outstanding and didn't win once. That moment, I said we had a missed the chance after that, because of other results.*
“Maybe six, seven, eight games ago they didn't have that feeling. I always had the feeling in the season that we had done really good things. I tried to be incredibly honest about the performance.
“Arsenal* away that we drew and at Old Trafford I said many times that we didn't deserve - we didn't play good. The rest of the games, most of the games, we played much, much better.*
“Aston Villa* away for example. Considering many new players and many new things. We work a lot to make them understand what is required to be at a club like this. I am satisfied. It has been good.*
*"They have something that makes them unique. I know that. I knew that feeling when we arrived here. For a long time, we didn't win the Premier League. Manuel Pellegrini and Roberto Mancini did it but for our era I would say, I know how you feel that first win. That is something that we cannot play against. That's why we have to focus on the way we have to play.*
*“The points in this season are much, much lower comparing the seasons with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Maybe because we are both not good, or maybe because the contenders are better.*
*“That is always a question mark. But after the games against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, I thought we had run away. But it is never over until it's over and we are still here.*
“We are ready. A month ago, because we dropped points in moments, I thought we would not be up. We saw the calendar and said ok, we play Arsenal at home and for a chance. It is six points.
“It is not a short distance, but we have a chance to do it. That is the situation we are in. It depends on our behaviour, and everything will be said on Sunday. Our fans have sold out. Everything is perfect to play a game."