Manager points out City are seventh in net spend table and challenges others to win like they have
Pep Guardiola says the pressure is on Manchester City’s rivals who have spent more than the club to win the Premier League like they have done over the past eight years.
Guardiola seemed to be frustrated about persistent mentions about his side’s spending, and he urged the media, albeit in lighthearted fashion, to turn the microscope towards other elite clubs in the division who have surpassed City in net spent over the past five years.
City are seventh in the Premier League in terms of net spend over the last five years, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle all having spent more than they have.
“I’m a little bit sad and upset because in net spend in the last five years we are seventh in the Premier League,” Guardiola said, and then humorously he added: “I want to be the first. I don’t understand why the club don’t spend more money. I am a little bit grumpy with them.”
In addition to nine major signings over the past year, City have also brought in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this winter.
“We won in the past because we spent a lot, now six teams have to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup because they spend more in the last five years,” Guardiola said.
“These are facts. It’s not an opinion. You can say an opinion, like you say you play good or bad against Spurs, we can agree or disagree.
“But they are facts. Good luck to the six teams who are in front of us for net spend for the last five years. Let’s go. I’m waiting. That’s a nice quote, eh?”
Although City may be lower in the financial table in terms of net spend, they have spent more money on incomings than any other Premier League side.
One of those rivals Guardiola has tried to turn the spotlight on is Newcastle, who have made heavy investments since being bought by the Saudi Arabia investment fund in 2021 but did in fact beat Liverpool to the Carabao Cup last summer at Wembley.
City face Newcastle in the return leg of the Carabao semifinal on Wednesday having taken a 2-0 lead in the first leg at St James’ Park.
“Of course a good result as I prefer to start 2-0 up,” Guardiola said. “But I know how many times we play against Newcastle and the pride they have as a Champions League team.
“We have to be prepared and see how the players recover from a tough game at Spurs and play our game with our people and our fans and try to reach Wembley in March.
“We have a chance to make our fifth final in 10 years in the Carabao Cup.”
