Guardiola cries after winning the Champions League

Turkey Pep Guardiola spoke of destiny, after Man City beat Inter 1-0 in the Champions League final to complete the treble.

Sky Sports captured Guardiola in tears as the final whistle blew at the Ataturk Stadium. Man City won the Champions League for the first time. This is also his third title in Europe's biggest club competition.

"It was difficult to win this title," said Guardiola after City's final victory. "The opponents played very well, and we were too nervous in the first half and couldn't find the free player John Stones. But it's a question of patience. After the first half, I said to the players that 0-0 is better than 0-1 in the final two years ago. We adjusted some things but you need luck in this competition. Destiny was with Man City this season and we did it."

Pep Guardiola could not hide his emotion when he and Man City won the 2022-2023 Champions League. Photo: Sky — Pep Guardiola could not hide his emotion when he and Man City won the 2022-2023 Champions League. Photo: *Sky*

Man City struggled in the Champions League final against Inter, especially after Kevin De Bruyne was forced off injured in the first half. The English side did not create many dangerous chances as their Italian opponents defended tightly, but still won the title thanks to a moment of brilliance from Rodri in the 68th minute. Man City held on for a 1-0 lead, despite Inter creating some dangerous situations towards the end of the match.

Guardiola compared the win over Inter to the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the 2020-21 Champions League final. "We defended a little better than two years ago, especially in the box," he said. "We had four pure centre-backs. Even when we made mistakes, Man City felt solid. The motivation at the beginning of the season was to win the Premier League, then the FA Cup, and now we're here. Winning the treble is always difficult."

Man City 1-0 Inter — Man City - Inter match on June 10.

Shortly after ending City's Champions League drought, Pep Guardiola was thinking about the team's motivation for next season. "There are teams that 'disappear' after winning the Champions League, we have to avoid that," he added. "For those who know me, that will not happen. We have to work harder. This title gives Man City a lot of relief. And at the end of the day, people will not ask me if I can win the Champions League with this club."

Guardiola also reiterated that many people were unhappy when Man City "only" won the Premier League. He stressed that what Man City have done in the past six years is great, with many titles, not just the Champions League. "Winning the Premier League five times is special but people say no, it has to be three every season to be perfect," said the Man City coach. "I'm good, but not good enough to win the treble every season. The Champions League is very difficult, only Real Madrid can win it year after year. Before, people pretended that the Premier League was nothing. Now we are recognized for a series of domestic titles."

Nhan Dat

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