Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he wants to “prove” to himself that he is still a good manager following his team’s struggles over the past 12 months.
Last season, the Cityzens finished on their lowest points total since Guardiola took charge all the way back in 2016. The 71 points accrued was 7 lower than he managed during his first year. Asked about why he has decided to stick around, Guardiola replied:
“It’s to prove myself that I can do it; I don’t want to have those feelings that last season left because, when we win, the wine tastes better afterwards, you sleep better.”
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“I don’t know a manager who loses games and sleeps like a baby. It doesn’t happen. You’ve got to worry. That’s part of our life.”
Can Man City return to the top?
A lot hinges on this summer’s transfer window. The arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves are expected to be confirmed before the Club World Cup, while the club are still locked in negotiations to bring in Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
There are expected to be plenty more new faces brought in between now and the end of the summer. Of course, such a massive overhaul in such a short period of time is not without its risks. Success depends on Guardiola’s ability to gel a new squad together quickly.
The Premier League title odds
Guardiola’s side are currently joint second at the bookmakers to regain their title next campaign. Current champions Liverpool are regarded as the frontrunners, with Arsenal also in the mix.
It does appear as if Guardiola has a genuine determination to put things right and, based on his managerial record, you would not want to bet against him.
In other news, Man City have slapped a £40m asking price on one of their players