Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has issued a defiant message to the rest of the Premier League, declaring that the champions remain as driven and hungry as ever to reclaim major silverware this season. The Croatian international, one of City’s standout performers since his arrival from RB Leipzig, emphasized that every player in the squad is focused on restoring the club’s winning momentum.
The 23-year-old was a key figure in Manchester City’s historic 2023/24 campaign, helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. Despite that success, Gvardiol insists that last season’s lack of additional trophies has only intensified the team’s determination heading into the new campaign.
Speaking in an interview with Manchester City’s official media, Gvardiol made the club’s objectives crystal clear: “We aim for trophies – if you don’t do that, there’s no point in competing,” he stated. “It’s really simple – after last season, we haven’t won anything, and it’s really clear that we want to be back where we used to be.”
He continued, “Of course, we’re hungry, and this season is the perfect timing to forget everything from last season. We are there, and we are doing good. The next six, seven or eight games are going to be really crucial for us before the next international break. It’s not going to be easy.”
Gvardiol’s words come at a time when City are adapting to subtle tactical tweaks under Pep Guardiola. The team has shown a willingness to play with less possession than in previous seasons, a move designed to better exploit transitions and reduce vulnerability to counterattacks. For Gvardiol, this shift has meant taking on more responsibility in ball progression from the back, often launching attacks with his precision passing.
The Croatian defender has already registered assists for Erling Haaland in both the Champions League and Premier League, showcasing his vision and composure under pressure. Reflecting on how City handle teams that press high, Gvardiol emphasized the importance of patience and unity within the squad.
“You need to be patient – especially the backline. Every season is getting more difficult because other teams know what we do. They’re aware every time we get a goal kick, they will press us high,” Gvardiol explained. “We train every day, and the most important thing is that we trust each other. The only way to build that and to understand each other is to play together and next to each other.”
The Croatian also highlighted the strong chemistry within the Manchester City dressing room, adding, “The relationship inside the dressing room is better than ever. This is what we need in football and on the pitch as well.”
With a busy run of fixtures ahead, including crucial Premier League and Champions League tests, Gvardiol’s rallying cry serves as both a message of confidence and a warning to City’s domestic and European rivals. The defender’s focus on teamwork, trust, and collective hunger reflects the mentality that has defined Guardiola’s era at the Etihad Stadium.
Key Points:
- Josko Gvardiol says Manchester City are “hungry” to reclaim trophies after last season’s challenges.
- The Croatian defender believes the next eight games will be crucial for City’s momentum.
- Pep Guardiola’s side have adjusted their tactical approach to focus on patience and ball control under pressure.
- Gvardiol has provided key assists for Erling Haaland and continues to be pivotal in City’s build-up play.
- Strong unity and trust within the squad are seen as vital for continued success.
FAQ
Q: What did Josko Gvardiol say about Manchester City’s goals this season?
A: Gvardiol stated that City’s main goal is to win trophies, emphasizing that the players are hungry to return to their dominant best after failing to lift major silverware last season.
Q: How has Gvardiol’s role changed this season?
A: He has taken on greater responsibility in building attacks from the back and has contributed assists for key goals in both domestic and European competitions.
Q: What did Gvardiol say about handling high-pressing opponents?
A: He highlighted patience and trust as essential qualities, explaining that City train daily to maintain composure under pressure and improve mutual understanding on the pitch.
Q: How important is team chemistry for Manchester City?
A: Gvardiol described the dressing room atmosphere as “better than ever,” crediting team unity as one of the key reasons behind City’s continued success.
Conclusion
Josko Gvardiol’s comments underline a key message — Manchester City’s hunger for success remains as fierce as ever. Despite recent challenges, the Croatian defender insists the squad is united, focused, and ready to fight for silverware once again. With Guardiola’s tactical evolution and a strong sense of team chemistry, City look determined to reassert their dominance across all competitions in the months ahead.
