Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City’s recent revival came after an emotional and honest conversation between him and the first-team squad. The discussion, held shortly after their early-season struggles, has been credited as the turning point in their campaign.
The Premier League champions have gone eight games unbeaten in all competitions since the end of August, climbing to second place in the league table following Erling Haaland’s brace in a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola Opens Up on City’s Turning Point
Manchester City endured a difficult start to the 2025–26 season, suffering early defeats to Tottenham and Brighton — results that raised concerns among supporters. However, since the September international break, City have rediscovered their rhythm, largely inspired by Haaland’s prolific form in front of goal.
Guardiola’s men were determined to bounce back after a disappointing previous campaign, where they finished third in the Premier League — their lowest points tally under the Spaniard — and endured heartbreaks in both the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
Speaking ahead of the weekend clash against Aston Villa, Guardiola explained that the motivation to avoid another underwhelming season came directly from the players themselves.
“Absolutely, we realised that if we… the players are the first; they came to me a month ago and said, ‘Pep, we don’t want to live the season that we lived last season.’ They were the first,” Guardiola revealed on Friday.
He continued, “I know these guys — they have pride. Even last season, when things were not going well, they still wanted to perform for the fans. But we were empty, drained by the years of success, injuries, and constant pressure. Once we accepted that and focused on improvement, everything began to change.”
Guardiola added that while City are “not consistent for 90 or 95 minutes yet,” he sees encouraging signs of stability even during difficult moments — a sign of the team’s renewed mentality and togetherness.
City Aiming to Sustain Title Charge
Manchester City now sit just behind Arsenal in the Premier League standings after Sunderland briefly overtook them with a surprise win over Chelsea. Guardiola’s men can reclaim second place with a victory over Aston Villa on Sunday as they look to keep pressure on the league leaders.
The squad’s revived spirit and clear communication appear to be the catalyst for their turnaround, proving once again why Guardiola’s leadership remains one of the defining forces in modern football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What did Pep Guardiola reveal about Manchester City’s resurgence?
A: Guardiola said the turnaround began after a heartfelt team discussion where the players expressed a strong desire not to repeat last season’s disappointments.
Q: How has Manchester City performed recently?
A: City are currently unbeaten in eight consecutive matches across all competitions and sit second in the Premier League standings.
Q: What were the main issues last season?
A: City endured a rare trophyless season, finishing third in the Premier League and suffering knockout defeats in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
Q: Who has been key to City’s revival this season?
A: Erling Haaland has been the standout performer, scoring crucial goals that have reignited City’s title challenge.
Q: What’s next for Pep Guardiola’s side?
A: Manchester City face Aston Villa next, aiming to maintain their momentum and close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s resurgence highlights the power of honesty, leadership, and unity within a team. The open dialogue between Pep Guardiola and his players reignited their motivation and belief, transforming a shaky start into a strong title challenge. With Erling Haaland firing and the squad rediscovering its competitive edge, City once again look ready to fight for glory on all fronts.
