Aoba Tanaka 
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected the idea that his team’s success is solely due to financial power. As City stands on the brink of a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola emphasized that money alone does not guarantee victory, citing the financial investments of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Manchester City is just two wins away from an unprecedented fourth successive English league title and three wins from achieving a consecutive domestic league and FA Cup double. Their current 21-match unbeaten run, featuring 17 wins and four draws, has solidified their position as favorites to clinch the title.
Pep Guardiola addressed criticisms about City’s success being “boring” due to their financial muscle, stating, “It’s not boring. It’s difficult.” He pointed out that if money were the sole factor, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal would consistently dominate, given their significant spending over the past five years.
Financial Insights:
Contrary to popular belief, Guardiola highlighted that City ranks seventh in net spending in the Premier League over the past five years, with a net spend of £259 million. This is less than half of what Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal have spent, and also trails Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa.
A key factor in managing their net spend has been City’s ability to sell players like Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Cole Palmer for substantial sums. Despite these sales, City is closing in on a historic achievement that has eluded even the greatest teams in English football history.
Guardiola’s Perspective:
Reflecting on the season, Pep Guardiola admitted that the prospect of a fourth consecutive title was not a primary focus initially. However, as the season progressed and the possibility became more tangible, the significance of the achievement has grown within the team.
“In the beginning of the season we didn’t think about it,” Guardiola said. “But then we were in February, March, and April, and we were still there. After that, it ignites something in all our heads. No team has done it. That shows how hard it is.”
Guardiola underscored the difficulty of their journey by comparing City’s potential accomplishment with past greats, noting that Liverpool in the ’80s, Sir Alex Ferguson’s United in the ’90s, Chelsea under Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho, and Arsenal under Arsene Wenger did not achieve this feat.
As Manchester City prepares for their final games, Guardiola’s focus remains on maintaining their exceptional form. With an understanding of the historical significance of their potential achievement, City aims to continue proving that their success is built on more than just financial strength—it’s a testament to their resilience, strategy, and team cohesion.
