Pep Guardiola has explained the toll last season’s treble success has had on his Manchester City squad. At times the European champions have appeared tired during games this season after an extended season last campaign. The City squad was also hit by injuries to begin the new season.
Speaking in his post-game press conference following City’s 2-1 win over Brighton Guardiola explained the goal for his squad currently. He said: “The treble had an influence on all of us, me included. So now we need to be there, close, month by month, to arrive in the final decision moments at the end of the season close to the opponents to try it again.”
Pep Guardiola’s squad are attempting to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title this season. It’s a feat that hasn’t been achieved in Premier League history. Guardiola added: “I said many times, no one has won four Premier Leagues in a row, never ever. That shows how difficult it is, but now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round in this period and after we can just focus on the Premier League. That is the target.”
After last season’s treble success, it would be natural for City’s squad motivation levels to drop. But there is a chance for this Manchester City squad to achieve something historic in the Premier League which should serve to motivate Guardiola’s squad.
On the Champions League front, Manchester City are now preparing to face Young Boys at the Wankdorf Stadium. City have started the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown with two successive wins over Red Star Belgrade and RB Leipzig. If City can get another win in Switzerland it may allow Guardiola to rest his squad to focus on the Premier League.
