Manchester City's players are motivated by the desire to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing performance, according to manager Pep Guardiola. After finishing third in the Premier League and failing to secure any trophies, the team is determined to not relive that experience.
"The players came to me a month ago and said: 'Pep, we don't want to live the season like we lived last season,'" Guardiola revealed. He emphasized that the players themselves are the primary drivers of this change. "They are the first. They want to perform properly. They have pride".
Guardiola acknowledged that the team was "empty" and "drained" last season, attributing it to the successes of previous years, injuries, and other factors. He believes that recognizing the inevitability of imperfections and focusing on improvement is crucial for the team's success. While admitting that consistency over the full 90 minutes is still a work in progress, he praised the team's stability in difficult moments and their ability to create positive opportunities.
City's current form reflects this renewed determination. They are currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak. In the Premier League, their form is considered excellent, with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, placing them 2nd in the league standings. Their home and away form are both rated as very good.
Erling Haaland's exceptional scoring record has been a major contributor to City's improved performances. He has scored in his last 12 appearances for club and country and currently leads the Premier League with 11 goals. Guardiola has no plans to limit Haaland's playing time, despite the potential for fatigue, recognizing his importance to the team's success. "Now he feels fit, he feels fine," Guardiola stated.
While Haaland's goals are vital, Guardiola stressed the importance of other players contributing to the scoresheet. He was particularly pleased with Bernardo Silva's recent goal, highlighting the need for the team to not solely rely on Haaland.
Guardiola acknowledged that his team has been dominant in the midfield, and they have completed more passes than any other team in the Premier League. However, they are not the best in the league in terms of ball possession.
Looking ahead, Guardiola recognizes the challenges that Aston Villa pose, particularly when playing away. He sees the upcoming match against them as a significant test of his team's progress and their ability to maintain their improved form. He said the game against Aston Villa last season helped the team secure a spot in this season's Champions League.
Despite the positive changes, Guardiola maintains a focus on continuous improvement. He believes that striving for better performance, even in good times, is essential for sustained success. "There's always better things we can do and we think there were a few spells that they had that we could've prevented," Guardiola commented.
Overall, Guardiola's comments reflect a sense of renewed determination and focus within the Manchester City squad. The players' desire to avoid repeating last season's struggles, coupled with Guardiola's tactical adjustments and the team's current form, suggest that they are well-positioned to compete for major honors this season.
