Manager backs his side to be better next season
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are still a work in progress despite competing on multiple fronts this season, and the Spaniard has suggested the club’s strongest version may not arrive until next year.
City remain involved in the Premier League title race and are still alive in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. But the squad is in transition, with at least half of the players having stayed at the Etihad for less than two years undergoes a period of transition.
Guardiola, whose current contract runs until 2027, has faced speculation about his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium after nearly a decade in charge.
“We are not a complete team to compete, to be solid,” said Guardiola. “That is the reality. But we are in the process of many changes.
“If we can learn quicker, and still nothing is lost, you know, we can arrive in the last month with the chances. But I’m pretty sure next season will be better. Next season will be better. I don’t have doubts about that.”
City faced Newcastle on Saturday in the fifth meeting between the two sides this season and won 3-1, the fourth time in a row they have triumphed over Eddie Howe’s men this season.
However, advancement to the FA Cup quarter-finals only begins a busy stretch of the season for Guardiola’s players. They will have only three days to recover and prepare before travelling to Spain for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid, by contrast, were handed a slightly more favourable schedule after their weekend fixture against Celta Vigo was moved forward to Friday night, giving them extra time to rest ahead of the European showdown.
Guardiola, however, suggested he has stopped expecting scheduling adjustments to benefit English clubs in continental competition.
“For here in England it is more important what happened in the Carabao Cup than the Champions League games for the English teams,” Guardiola said. “It has happened since day one. So it’s no surprise.
“In the schedule, the broadcasters decide because they say, we pay a lot of money. OK, well done, I got a lot of money. Thank you so much. You’re so kind. So it’s that.”
