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Pep Guardiola explains what Manchester City must accomplish to be regarded as the best.
Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s achievements in capturing a second Premier League title while admitting that they must win the UEFA Champions League in order to be considered one of the all-time great teams.
Manchester City won the Premier League for the third consecutive season and the fifth time in six years as a result of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Guardiola called the feat “exceptional” but emphasized the importance of winning the Champions League, with City’s forthcoming match against Inter on June 10 giving them the chance to win the competition for the first time.
“A fifth Premier League title in six years, seven in 12. I couldn’t have imagined winning five out of six. I believe we have done something exceptional. It’s truly extraordinary, and people recognise the magnitude of our success.
“To be considered one of the greatest, we have to win the Champions League. Winning in Europe, the Champions League, is necessary to be compared to teams like Manchester United or Liverpool. But it’s also unfair to dismiss the importance of the Premier League if we don’t win it.
“Sometimes training under this pressure is so fulfilling. It’s necessary. We constantly remind ourselves that we have to do it. If the club continues on this path, sooner or later, we will achieve it. But for now, we must make every effort.”
Guardiola lifted the European trophy twice as manager during his time at Barcelona.
In addition, the team is preparing for the FA Cup final against city rivals Manchester United, with the goal of completing a historic triple.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola also lauded Arsenal manager and former assistant Mikel Arteta for guiding Arsenal’s impressive season, noting the challenge they posed throughout the title fight.
“With the relationship I have with Mikel, congratulations for what they’ve done. He’s brought them back to what Arsenal was in the past. It’s a similar battle to Liverpool in previous seasons; they took us to our limits.
“There’s a tendency to underestimate them. They are winners. They pushed us, and they are an exceptional team. They should be proud of their journey. They need to maintain their performance, and they will continue to challenge us.”