Pep Guardiola is determined to lead Manchester City back to the top after what he admits was a below-par 2024–25 season by the club’s lofty standards.
The 54-year-old manager, who has enjoyed a historic run at City, says his motivation heading into next season is personal: to prove to himself that he still has what it takes to win.
City’s only trophy this past season was the Community Shield, and they finished third in the Premier League—a result Guardiola called “an achievement” considering the hurdles the team faced. Their Champions League journey also had shaky moments, though they managed to advance from the group stage.
“It’s about proving to myself that I can still do it,” Guardiola said. “I don’t want to carry the feelings from last season. Winning changes everything—wine tastes better, you sleep better. No manager loses a game and sleeps like a baby. You worry. It comes with the job.”
While the latest campaign may have fallen short of expectations, Guardiola’s track record since joining the club in 2016 is extraordinary. Under his leadership, City have claimed six Premier League titles—including a historic four in a row—as well as six domestic cups.
Their greatest triumph came in 2023, when City won the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
Guardiola and his squad now turn their attention to the upcoming Club World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks. The tournament presents a chance not only for silverware but also for a fresh start as City look to bounce back in style.
