Ahead of today’s critical Premier League clash with Arsenal, it is clear that the fire still burns for this Manchester City squad. After such a dominant period of sustained success, a drop in City’s high standards could have occurred this season. But it hasn’t been the case as the treble winners find themselves fighting to defend the treble they claimed last season.
Speaking before today’s clash with Arsenal Pep Guardiola believes that the elite mentality of the Manchester City squad pushes them on for more success. The City manager told the media: “I think it comes from inside themselves. After eight years, I don’t have to motivate them every three days – it doesn’t work like that, unfortunately. They have something inside – some fire – to compete or else we would not be here. I say a thousand million times that the biggest reason behind our success is the players and their desire to extend the success.”
WATCH: Steven Mcinerney previews today’s massive match at the Etihad.
During their era of dominance, the Manchester City squad has continually backed up season after season to add to their sizable legacy. It requires tremendous drive, motivation, and mental fortitude to keep returning year after year after tasting the ultimate success. There is no sign from Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City squad of them sitting back to admire their work. Instead, they return to attempt to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet.
While players come and go the high standards at the world champions remain. While the contributions of players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and more are missed their replacements know the standards they must maintain to keep Manchester City as the dominant force in English and European football.
Guardiola also believes that the standards his squad set are the benchmark for future Manchester City squads. He explained: “They set the benchmark for the future generations. I couldn’t imagine we would be here after all these years and every year be in the top three, FA Cup semi-finals and the Champions League. It’s so complicated and it’s really good – really good.”
Manchester City will continue their pursuit of more silverware today against Arsenal. With the fire still burning amongst the City squad, there is no telling where that could take them this season.
