- Guardiola thinks winning the Treble again is very hard.
- City wants to make history by winning four Premier League titles in a row.
- New players join the team, and there are uncertainties about other players’ futures.
- The club wants Walker to stay. Palmer’s role is unclear after Riyad Mahrez left. Guardiola says Palmer is part of the team, and they’ll see what happens.
Manchester City’s head honcho, Pep Guardiola, has unequivocally stated that replicating the triumphant Treble achievement of the previous season is a monumental task for his squad.
In the culmination of the 2022-23 season, City secured an impressive trio of major titles, but as they embark on this year’s Premier League journey against newly promoted Burnley this Friday, Guardiola emphasizes the uniqueness of their accomplishment, stating,
“It is once in a lifetime.” He further explained, “It will not be possible to do what we did last season.”
The team is now vying to etch their names in history as the first-ever squad to claim four consecutive English top-flight championships. Nevertheless, Guardiola has voiced that reclaiming the league, Champions League, and FA Cup titles would present insurmountable challenges.
“While we scaled the summit in the previous season, recent days have seen us descend from that peak, and now, we commence our ascent anew,” he revealed. Acknowledging the fierce competition that lies ahead, Guardiola emphasized,
Pep Guardiola on West Ham interest in Cole Palmer: “Cole is with us. Today he's with us. What will happen, I don't know”. 🔵 #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
“He wants to be more active than last season. Riyad Mahrez has gone, one less player. Decision belongs to Man City”, via @DanMurphyESPN. pic.twitter.com/YtNvKveuwa
“Every contender shares the same determination, and there will be countless obstacles as we endeavor to reach the highest pinnacles. Our brand of football, our performance level, and our mindset will ultimately shape the trajectory of the upcoming season.”
City’s prospects receive a boost with the additions of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic. These signings are set to debut against Burnley, led by former City captain Vincent Kompany, at Turf Moor. Guardiola affirmed the readiness of both players, hinting at their potential involvement in the season opener. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the futures of defender Kyle Walker and winger Cole Palmer within the City ranks.
Guardiola expressed the club’s desire for Walker to remain, while the situation surrounding 21-year-old Palmer’s status remains unclear. With Riyad Mahrez’s departure, a vacancy has emerged, and Guardiola commented,
“Palmer is with us. As for what lies ahead, I can’t predict. I understand his aspiration for more active participation than the previous season. With Mahrez gone, there’s a slot to be filled. Time will tell.”
During his Thursday press conference, Guardiola refrained from discussing the potential transfer of West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has been recently linked to the club.
