Pep Guardiola has sparked debate with his assessment of Manchester City's 2024-2025 season, suggesting that their third-place finish in the Premier League was a more valuable achievement than winning their fourth consecutive title in previous years. This statement comes after a season where City failed to secure any major silverware, a rarity in Guardiola's tenure. His comments highlight a shift in perspective, emphasizing growth and learning over solely focusing on trophies.
Guardiola, in an exclusive interview, conveyed his desire to experience the full spectrum of emotions in football, including the disappointment of not winning. He stated, "I want to suffer when I'm not winning games. I want to feel bad. I want to sleep badly. I want that when the situation goes bad, it affects me... I want that!" This sentiment underscores his belief that setbacks and challenges are integral to personal and team development. He further elaborated that "Winning or losing... We're here in this world to feel different experiences, different moods.”
The 2024-25 season presented numerous hurdles for Manchester City. After winning the FA Community Shield at the start of the season, the team's form dipped, plagued by injuries to key players like Rodri and inconsistent performances. They were knocked out of the Champions League, lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, and relinquished their Premier League title to Liverpool. Despite these setbacks, Guardiola commended his team's resilience, noting that they "kept pushing" and secured a Champions League spot, a feat he considers more important in England than some titles due to the increasing competitiveness of the league.
Guardiola's perspective challenges the conventional view that success is solely defined by trophies. He argued that "You judge happiness if you win. You judge success if you win and win. And that is a problem." Instead, he values the lessons learned and the team spirit forged in the face of adversity. He suggested that finishing third while overcoming numerous difficulties might be a greater accomplishment than winning the league without significant challenges.
However, not everyone shares Guardiola's optimistic view. Some critics argue that a trophyless season for a club of Manchester City's stature is a failure, regardless of the circumstances. They point to the significant investment in the squad and the high expectations set by previous successes. The team's struggles in the Champions League and the FA Cup final defeat are seen as evidence of a decline in performance.
Looking ahead, Guardiola acknowledges the need for reinforcements and adjustments to regain their competitive edge. The departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne necessitates finding suitable replacements, and there is a need to strengthen the defense and midfield. Despite the challenges, Guardiola remains determined to lead Manchester City back to the top, viewing the setbacks of the 2024-25 season as valuable lessons that will contribute to future success. He has spelt it out for his squad that past achievements count for little and improvement is paramount.
