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Pep Guardiola praises Manchester City’s ‘exceptional’ and ‘extraordinary’ fifth Premier League title in six seasons but insists they need to win the Champions League to be regarded as ‘one of the best’
- Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City side have done something ‘exceptional’
- City were awarded the Premier League trophy for the fifth time in six years
- Guardiola insists City must win the Champions League to be one of the greats
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Pep Guardiola is convinced that the external pressure on Manchester City to win the Champions League is spurring his players into their treble hunt.
The outspoken City manager has admitted they cannot be considered one of the greatest teams in history if they don’t conquer Europe.
That chance comes against Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10, as the weekend saw a fifth Premier League title in six years – and Guardiola’s 11th in 14 seasons as manager.
“Sometimes it’s unfair that you have to win the Champions League for the honor or appreciation for what you’ve done, but you have to accept it,” he said.
‘I think it’s good. I know it won’t be complete if we don’t win the Champions League. Sometimes playing with this pressure is nice, it’s necessary. “What we have done is extraordinary. Everyone knows it, all managers, sporting directors, players and clubs, they know how exceptional it is.
“I couldn’t imagine winning five out of six. We don’t need decades to think about how good it was, we have the feeling [now].’
City have won 12 games on spin, with Erling Haaland’s goals at the center of their title defence.
“For a debut season, 36 goals so far, a Premier League trophy and two finals to go, it’s not a bad start,” Haaland said with a grin. “These are memories I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Guardiola said attacking Arsenal is no different to struggling with Liverpool in recent seasons, with two run-ins leading up to the last day.
“I remember very well that in the past many games were won in a row to beat Liverpool,” the Catalan added. “It’s been very similar. Arsenal’s first leg (of the season), they got 50 points and I felt like they had done something special.
“I’ve been so demanding. I’m exhausted. The ruthlessness and not giving up, I’ve said so many times: “You have to win today”.’
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