This Has Been The Toughest Season Of My Career – Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described the ongoing campaign as the toughest season of his 16-year managerial career, citing injuries, form drops, and emotional strain as major contributors to the club’s struggles.
The Spanish tactician, who has enjoyed immense success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, admitted that this season has tested him more than any other, especially as City’s Premier League title defence faltered and they crashed out of the Champions League.
“It’s been the most difficult, that’s for sure,” said the 54-year-old, whose team was eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
“It’s been more demanding — much more. When you don’t win it’s more demanding emotionally and (in terms of) preparing and the moods and everything. It’s been more difficult than the previous seasons when we played for the titles.”
City’s dip in form began in late October, with key players like Rodri missing out due to injuries and several others underperforming.
Guardiola accepted responsibility for the club’s decline.
“We had a lot of injuries, we didn’t have the energy. We tried most of the time but we were not able to do it.
“I didn’t find the way to let them feel comfortable and winning the games,” he said.
Despite currently sitting third on the Premier League table and gearing up for a match against relegated Southampton, Guardiola remains focused on finishing strong.
“But, even with that, I would say, it could be worse. I was not good enough to find a way but we didn’t give up,” he said.
“We’re still fighting to qualify for the Champions League — that is a big, big prize — and the FA Cup.”
City also have a shot at redemption in the Club World Cup, which could end the season on a positive note, though Guardiola maintains his verdict will not change.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
