Pep Guardiola Reflects On Toughest Season Of His Managerial Journey

‎Pep Guardiola has admitted that this season has been the toughest of his 16-year managerial career.

‎Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge has faltered, and they exited the Champions League early.

‎The Spaniard has experienced little but success in glittering spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City.

‎After securing four consecutive Premier League titles, City’s form dramatically declined from late October onwards.

‎They still have the opportunity to finish the season in the top five and win the FA Cup, with an additional chance for silverware at the Club World Cup.

‎But even if they end on a high note, it will not change Guardiola’s verdict of the season as a whole.

‎”It’s been the most difficult, that’s for sure,” said the 54-year-old, whose team exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid in the knockout phase playoffs.

‎”It’s been more demanding much more. When you don’t win it’s more demanding emotionally and (in terms of) preparing and the moods and everything.

‎”It’s been more difficult than the previous seasons when we played for the titles.”

‎Injuries, especially to midfielder Rodri, have significantly contributed to City’s decline, along with a dip in form among several players.

‎Guardiola does not shy away from taking responsibility for the team’s struggles.

‎”We had a lot of injuries, we didn’t have the energy,” he said. “We tried most of the time but we were not able to do it.

‎”I didn’t find the way to let them feel comfortable and winning the games.”

‎Guardiola, whose third-placed side travel to relegated Southampton on Saturday, admitted City’s high standards had slipped.

‎”But, even with that, I would say, it could be worse. I was not good enough to find a way but we didn’t give up,” he said.

‎”We’re still fighting to qualify for the Champions League, which is a big, big prize, and the FA Cup.”