Manchester City followed up their treble-winning season by clinching an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last term. Manager Pep Guardiola is now eyeing more records as they gear up for the season’s Community Shield opener on Saturday. The match, a repeat of the FA Cup final against Manchester United, is a chance for City to redeem themselves after their 2-1 loss to their rivals.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of the upcoming final at Wembley, stating that City will give their all to win the trophy. He sees it as an opportunity to secure silverware and test how the younger players perform on such a grand stage. “It is important, it is a final against United, and a part of that is trying to refine ourselves. It is step-by-step. We will go for it,” Guardiola said on Friday.
Despite speculation linking Guardiola to the vacant England managerial position after Gareth Southgate’s resignation, the 53-year-old Spaniard remains focused on his current role. Although his contract with City expires next year, Guardiola is more concerned with the present, saying, “I have to decide what I want to do in my life — continue here, take a break, a national team, anything. But right now, I am here.”
Guardiola expressed renewed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, viewing it as a fresh challenge to surpass the records City has already set. He stressed the importance of maintaining the team’s ambition and energy, noting, “My energy rises again, I’m fully excited for the season. We will see, it’s a new challenge to break our own records.”
Additionally, Guardiola confirmed that City and Atletico Madrid have agreed on a deal for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez. The transfer, reportedly worth around £81 million, would set a club-record sale for City. Guardiola acknowledged Alvarez’s desire for a new challenge and respected his decision to move on, stating, “If you are not happy, why should you be here? He believes his period here is over, and that’s okay.”
