When former player Gael Clichy questioned Guardiola about his approach for the current season and if he had asked his players to aim for the treble, the City manager said: “No, no, I think that is a mistake. The Treble? Forget about it. If we win the Treble again I retire, that’s it.”
“That’s on TV, Pep,” replied Eniola Aluko.
Guardiola added: “It’s extremely difficult. How many incredible teams have there been in England? Just once with Sir Alex [Ferguson] and ourselves last season [have won the Treble]. When we spoke [to the players], it [the message] was prepare well, time for first game.
“We will see, our level. The competition itself dictates how your level us. The challenge is higher. September, October, November, thinking about the titles? Forget about it, it’s a big mistake.”
Compared to their high expectations, City is going through a slump as they have drawn their previous three Premier League games. They are now six points behind leaders Arsenal in third place in the rankings as a result of their recent slide. They do, however, take great pride in their flawless record in Europe, having won each of their five games.
Guardiola is still optimistic that City will win the Premier League in May, even if they haven’t played well defensively lately. They will want to go back to winning ways when they play Aston Villa on Wednesday night at Villa Park.
