Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City’s rivals that he still has unfinished business with the Premier League.
In a pre-season message that will send a chill through Arsenal, Liverpool and any other club with preventions of ending City’s dominance of English football, the Catalan revealed he now burns with the ambition to lift the title for a fifth successive year.
City open the defence of their crown against Chelsea on Sunday after becoming the first club in the 136-year history of league football to win four-in-a-row. They have been champions in six of the last seven seasons.
But Guardiola said: “In the pre-season it was a bit flat, but as soon as we arrived at the Community Shield and to the competition it ignites something in myself – and hopefully in the players – to do it again.
“In the past, yes, with six from seven, we have conquered the Premier League – but now we start from zero.
“There are 114 points to play (for) and we start from zero like everyone. Now we have to conquer again because they are not going to just give us the Premier League for the 24-25 season.
“I understand when people say we are favourites – and we have to accept it. When you win four in a row and six in seven, it is normal that you are favourites. We have to live with that – but I know what we have to do. It is point by point that we must win and, of course, ever season it becomes more difficult.”
Guardiola is out of contract next year – and the 53-year-old admitted at the end of last season that he was feeling the strain. It is clear he will not hesitate to walk away from the Etihad once he feels he has lost his motivation.
But Guardiola insists he is once again ready to take on all-comers at City look to go nap. He added: “If you don’t have the passion or desire, then don’t be here – that’s the key to everything.
“If you believe you have done it and that you can relax, you won’t win – and you won’t be top four. That’s always the target at the start of the season. People say ‘oh come on,’ but it’s true.
” Newcastle are not in Europe so they have one game a week – and this year will be the Newcastle of two seasons ago. Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool. Tottenham have been investing in new players, the manager knows the league better now, Chelsea have new players and a new manager. So if you drop a little bit you will be away.
Content by: Simon Mullock
