After lifting the Premier League trophy, coach Pep Guardiola emphasized that Man City must win the Champions League to reach greatness like Man Utd or Liverpool.
At the Etihad yesterday, Man City played only with the reserve team but still beat Chelsea 1-0 thanks to a cross-angle shot from 2022 World Cup champion Julian Alvarez. This victory made the Manchester club's Cup lifting ceremony after the match even more complete.
During the trophy ceremony, Guardiola admitted that he did not expect to lead Man City to five Premier League titles in six seasons. However, he stressed that things were not yet complete. "You have to win the Champions League to be considered one of the best teams like Man Utd or Liverpool," Guardiola said. "But it is also unfair to look down on the Premier League just because Man City did not win the Champions League. But we have to accept that."
Guardiola lifts the Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium after Man City beat Chelsea 1-0 in round 37 of the Premier League on May 21. Photo: mancity.com
Man City have two more Premier League games, against Brighton and Brentford, and are in with a chance of winning the treble when they reach the FA Cup final against Man Utd on June 3 and the Champions League final against Inter on June 10. "After what we have done, I know it would be incomplete if I did not win the Champions League, if Man City did not win the continental arena," Guardiola stressed. "But sometimes training with this pressure is great. It is necessary. At the same time, if the club continues like this, sooner or later we will win the Champions League. But we are preparing to enter the final and have to try."
Arsenal have led the Premier League for 93% of the season and even opened up an eight-point gap on Man City in early April. But a run of 11 wins in the final stages has seen Man City take the lead and claim their third successive title.
Guardiola hailed Arsenal as winners and said they should be proud of their achievements this season, even if they did not win the title. He also congratulated his former assistant Mikel Arteta for returning Arsenal to the status of top title contenders they once were. "Arsenal made me think a lot about what I had to do to beat them. Arsenal pushed Man City to the limit," he said.
Kyle Walker (left) and John Stones are two members of Man City who have won the Premier League five times in the last six seasons working under coach Pep Guardiola. Photo: mancity.com
Defender Kyle Walker has insisted that Man City are one of the best clubs in Premier League history, while Erling Haaland is proud of his achievements in his debut season. The Norwegian striker has scored 36 goals in the Premier League this season, setting a new record and ensuring he will win the Golden Boot.
Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne also dreams of a historic treble. "We just try to perform as well as we can and play the best football. I want to win more and move forward. Now, we need to prepare for two important matches," the Belgian midfielder said.
Hong Duy
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