Table of Contents
- Guardiola's Statement
- Premier League Competition
- Aston Villa Comeback
- City's Recent Performance
- Rodri's Return
- Club Achievements
- Team Strength
Manchester City manager, Guardiola, has informed Arsenal and his former assistant manager, Mikel Arteta, that City consistently becomes stronger in the latter part of the season.
Arsenal and Manchester City appear to be the primary contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Aston Villa came close to staging a remarkable comeback by winning 11 consecutive matches, but they suffered a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal in their most recent game.
This victory allowed Arsenal to establish a five-point lead at the top of the league; however, Manchester City has since narrowed that gap to four points after a 1-1 draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Arsenal was undeniably the leading team in the Premier League during the initial months of the season, but Manchester City has been demonstrating impressive form lately, winning eight matches in a row until their recent draw against Sunderland.
The return of former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has significantly boosted Manchester City.
“When you miss the best player in the world, two seasons ago, he was an incredible player who contributed to winning a treble and four consecutive Premier Leagues,” Guardiola stated.
“You can manage without him for a week or even three weeks. However, more than a year and a half is quite a long time.
“At the end of last season, what we accomplished, despite the challenges we faced, was one of the finest seasons our team has ever experienced.
“The individuals involved, including the staff and support team from last season, formed one of the best groups we’ve ever had. It’s about how you navigate through difficulties.
“We have good health and a great sense of humor, so 2025 was a wonderful year. We shouldn’t evaluate a season solely based on whether we win the title. There are greater things in life than that, and we always strive to do our best.
“Reflecting on what transpired last season fills me with even more pride regarding our achievements as a club and how we managed all the challenging situations. The hierarchy, including [the chairman] Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the CEOs, truly demonstrated their support by sending strong messages like, ‘Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.’”
He added, “And naturally, when we had all the seasons as a team, we played just as we are this season.
“Undoubtedly, with Rodri back, we are a much stronger team. I believe that with the return of players like Jérémy Doku and John Stones, we will improve.
“Many players have been injured for an extended period. I am confident that we will be better.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Rodri's return impacted Manchester City?
Rodri's return has significantly strengthened Manchester City, improving the team's overall performance and resilience on the pitch.
What does Guardiola think about judging a season?
Guardiola believes that a season should not be judged solely on winning titles, as there are more important aspects of life and the game.
What challenges did Manchester City face last season?
Manchester City overcame several challenges last season but managed to achieve remarkable success, including winning a treble.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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