Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered a surprisingly candid take on the club’s performance last season, expressing a sense of satisfaction with what many would consider a disappointing campaign.
Speaking to GQ Spain, the 54-year-old dismissed the notion of a disastrous year, stating, “I’m delighted to have failed. I love failures.” Guardiola’s Manchester City finished third in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Liverpool, exited the Champions League earlier than expected, and failed to win any major trophies.
Guardiola’s remarks reflect a broader mindset shift, highlighting the motivational value of setbacks. “In sports, you lose more than you win,” he explained, adding, “we were very bad, very bad, but we were there… and in the end we finished third.”
The Catalan remains under contract until 2027 and has taken an active role in reshaping the squad this summer, bringing in reinforcements like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. The club is also monitoring rising stars such as Claudio Echeverri and Rico Lewis as part of a wider transition.
FAQ
- What did Guardiola say about failure? He said he was “delighted” by failure and that it provides energy and motivation.
- How did City perform last season? They finished third in the Premier League and exited Europe early without winning a major trophy.
- What’s Guardiola’s future? He is under contract until summer 2027 and remains committed to the project.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s statements provide a refreshing and grounded perspective on failure in elite sport. As Manchester City prepare for a new season, his leadership appears as resolute as ever, driving a potential evolution of the club’s next era.