Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a direct message to his players, reminding them that consistent performance and internal competition are the only guarantees of a starting place in his team. The Catalan boss made the remarks ahead of City’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, a match decided by a second-half brace from Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s comments highlighted a core principle of his managerial philosophy: no player is undroppable. Whether academy graduates like Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly, or star names such as Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku, every individual must compete relentlessly to earn their spot — regardless of past performances or reputation.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said, “That is the point; when you have fit [players] and they have to compete [among] themselves. Jeremy was unbelievable this season, against Brentford he didn’t play.”
He continued, “At the end, they have to compete and you have to decide. All of the players, it’s between them and their excuses. They have to choose: ‘OK, me to get better, or the excuses I put on all the time’. It’s simple.”
Guardiola went on to stress that performance speaks louder than words, adding: “If you score three goals every game, you’ll play every single game. Don’t worry. If you’re the best defender or the best performer, you’ll play. When you have excuses, you cannot improve. That’s why.”
The Manchester City boss also explained why this competitive culture has been central to the club’s sustained success in recent years. “One of the reasons why we are successful is because excuses in this club or with me, never appeared. It’s good that they have to compete with each other.”
Guardiola concluded by emphasizing the self-awareness of his players: “Whenever we see Jeremy’s or Nico’s performances, all of them playing good, they are not stupid. They know, ‘Wow, this is the standard, this is the level, I have to play good, otherwise I will not play.’ So it’s simple.”
With fixtures piling up across multiple competitions and several players returning from injury, Guardiola’s words arrive at a pivotal moment. His message underscores a broader point that City’s success is built on internal hunger, accountability, and competition rather than external praise or motivation.
As the season intensifies, Guardiola’s warning serves as both a challenge and an inspiration — urging every member of the squad to maintain the highest standards if they want to remain part of the starting eleven.
Key Points:
- Pep Guardiola reiterates that players must compete for their place regardless of status or reputation.
- Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O’Reilly among those praised for setting high performance standards.
- Guardiola emphasizes a no-excuse culture as key to Manchester City’s continued success.
- Internal competition expected to intensify as more players return from injury.
FAQ
Q: What message did Pep Guardiola send to his players?
A: Guardiola reminded his players that competition and consistent performance are the only ways to earn a place in Manchester City’s starting eleven.
Q: Which players did Guardiola mention?
A: He referenced Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Nico O’Reilly as examples of players performing at a high level and setting the standard for others.
Q: Why did Guardiola say “It’s simple”?
A: He used the phrase to underline his straightforward approach perform well and you play; make excuses and you don’t improve.
Q: How does this affect Manchester City’s upcoming games?
A: With a busy fixture list and returning players, competition for places will increase, pushing everyone to perform at their peak.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s uncompromising stance reinforces the competitive spirit that defines Manchester City. By insisting that players earn their spots through performance and attitude, the manager continues to drive a culture of excellence that has kept the club at the summit of English and European football. His message It’s simple” reflects both the clarity and intensity of his winning mentality.
