Pep Guardiola: Can Man City Boss Defy the Odds and Repeat Historic Treble Success This Season?
Pep Guardiola believes replicating last season's treble success is a near-impossible feat The Burnley vs Man City Premier League opener will showcase a tough challenge for the defending champions
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, believes that replicating last season's treble is an insurmountable challenge for his team. This comes as they prepare to face Burnley in their Premier League opener, which will be broadcasted live. In the previous season, City made history by clinching the league title, FA Cup, and Champions League, marking the first time an English club accomplished this feat since Manchester United in 1999.
No Premier League club has ever won four titles in a row but Guardiola feels it is unwise to start talking about the title race in the opening weeks of the season.
Burnley
Manchester City
Friday 11th August 6:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
"I don't think it's possible to do what we did last season. It's a once-in-a-lifetime," Guardiola said in his press conference.
I told the players to put it behind them. We reached the pinnacle of success last season with our achievements. However, in the past two days, we have descended from that peak alongside everyone else who shares the same aspirations. Reaching the highest point of the mountain will present many challenges.
The outcome of our season will depend on our football, our conduct, and our mindset. The memories of our previous accomplishments will always remain in our hearts and minds, and it was indeed a beautiful experience. Nevertheless, it is now in the past. Each new season begins from scratch.
The historical evidence clearly demonstrates our achievements cannot be replicated. It is crucial to acknowledge this fact and hope that both our devoted fans and ourselves comprehend the immense challenges we have faced. Our focus should solely rest on securing positive outcomes in our upcoming matches against Burnley, Newcastle, and Sheffield United. Emphasizing one game at a time is the key, without aspiring for anything more than that.
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City's first match will be against Burnley, managed by Vincent Kompany, the former City captain who led them to win the Championship last season.
Guardiola lauded his ex-defender's efforts at Turf Moor, acknowledging that the Friday Night Football challenge posed a formidable task for his team, who achieved a treble. Guardiola expressed that initial matches are typically challenging, particularly when facing newly promoted teams, who approach games with a fearless attitude, high energy, and aspirations for a successful season.
Additionally, Vinny possesses a profound understanding of our team. He displayed remarkable prowess in the previous season, effectively revolutionizing Burnley's style of play under Sean Dyche and decimating the Championship.
Since the very beginning, Vinny has emphasized the importance of consistently striving for victory in this competitive arena. His approach embodies finesse and excellence. Consequently, we can anticipate a challenging match, particularly considering it is the start of the season.
"The first game for the champions is so difficult. You need time to reset and we have to come back to where we were. That is a question of time."
Pep: Kompany's Burnley is a tough first game
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Cole Palmer scored for Man City in their Community Shield loss to Arsenal
Guardiola was also probed about the potential outgoings of Cole Palmer and Kyle Walker this summer.
West Ham is interested in signing Palmer, who they hope can help them resist City's pursuit of Lucas Paqueta, through a possible loan agreement. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is expressing interest in acquiring Walker.
Regarding Palmer's future, Guardiola stated, "Currently, he is part of our team. I am uncertain about what will occur."
"I comprehend his desire for greater involvement compared to the previous season. I acknowledge that. However, since Riyad [Mahrez] has departed, a vacancy has opened up.
I refrain from making any definitive statements as each player harbors their own aspirations. Ultimately, the final verdict lies with the club. If you wish to depart, it is acceptable. Nonetheless, you must reach a decision in consultation with the club."
Regarding Walker's future, the City manager expressed his desire for him to stay, emphasizing the long-term efforts made to convey this sentiment. However, there have been no recent updates on the matter.
Tune in to We Premier League on Friday night at 6.30pm to catch the live coverage of the 2023/24 season opener between Burnley and Manchester City. The match will commence at 8pm.
