Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has candidly acknowledged the formidable challenges his team has faced this season, drawing parallels to sentiments previously expressed by his long-time rival, Jose Mourinho.
“We Took It for Granted” – Guardiola’s Candid Admission After City’s Toughest Season
Guardiola emphasized that securing a spot in the Champions League amid a season plagued by injuries would rank among his most satisfying achievements.
The squad has been significantly impacted by the prolonged absence of key players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and prolific striker Erling Haaland, who is expected to be sidelined for up to seven weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth.
Reflecting on these adversities, Guardiola remarked, “I said this before, a thousand million times, that people take for granted that City are going to be in the Champions League every season.
I know how difficult it is.” He underscored the rarity of consistent qualification, noting, “We’re the only one in the last, I don’t know how many years, who have been there.
This kind of thing I give a lot of importance to, because it’s the consistency I’ve always been looking for as a manager.”
City currently sits fifth in the Premier League standings, with a mere four points separating them from 10th-placed Bournemouth, highlighting the intense competition for Champions League qualification.
Guardiola admitted to sensing potential challenges earlier in the season, stating, “I could smell City crisis coming three months ago.”
In a moment of reflection, Guardiola acknowledged a shared perspective with Mourinho, who has previously highlighted the difficulties of maintaining top-tier performance amid various challenges. This admission adds a layer of mutual understanding to their storied rivalry.
As City prepares to host Leicester on Wednesday, the team remains focused on overcoming these obstacles and securing their place among Europe’s elite, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
