Pep Guardiola: 2025 Was One of My Best Years at Manchester City
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, has declared 2025 as one of his most rewarding years at the helm, despite the club not securing any major silverware. The season was characterized by overcoming significant hurdles and a notable rejuvenation of team spirit, leading to a strong finish in the Premier League and renewed optimism for the future.
Reflecting on the 2024-25 season, Guardiola acknowledged it as the most challenging of his managerial career. Manchester City finished third in the Premier League with 71 points, a low for Guardiola, exited the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16, and suffered a defeat in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. This trophyless season, the first since his initial year with the club in 2016-17, prompted significant changes within the team.
The summer of 2025 saw a considerable overhaul of both the playing and coaching staff. Veteran players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ederson departed, marking the end of an era. In their stead, new signings were brought in to refresh the squad, while Bernardo Silva was appointed as the new club captain. These changes aimed to inject new energy and dynamism into the team, addressing what Guardiola described as a "fog" surrounding the club.
The initial phase of the 2025-26 season presented challenges as the team integrated new players and adapted to tactical adjustments. After a strong start in August, losses against Tottenham and Brighton placed Manchester City in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, Guardiola's leadership and the team's resilience saw a significant turnaround.
Manchester City found their rhythm as the season progressed, demonstrating improved energy and competitiveness. A string of victories, including a 3-0 win against Manchester United and a 5-1 thrashing of Burnley, boosted the team's confidence. By late December 2025, Manchester City was in contention for the Premier League title, trailing leaders Arsenal by a narrow margin.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of rediscovering the team's "energy" and creating a positive environment. He credited team dinners and open discussions for fostering a renewed sense of unity and purpose. This resurgence was evident in their eight-game winning streak in all competitions leading up to the end of 2025.
Despite the absence of major trophies in 2025, Guardiola highlighted the team's fightback from adversity as a key reason for his satisfaction. Overcoming a disappointing previous season, integrating new players, and rediscovering their competitive edge were significant achievements. This transformation instilled belief that Manchester City would be strong contenders for major honors in the 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, Guardiola expressed optimism about the team's future, praising the blend of experienced players and promising new talents. With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision, Manchester City aimed to build on the foundation laid in 2025 and reclaim their position at the summit of English and European football.
