Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola believes his side needs to win the Champions League to be great. City won their third consecutive title on Sunday after defeating Chelsea 1-0 for their 12th straight league victory after Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Next month’s FA Cup and Champions League finals will be followed by the Premier League, which City believes will serve as the first leg of a triple. As they pursue their first Champions League victory, they take on United in the FA Cup final on June 3 and Inter Milan the following week.
“I could not envision winning the Premier League five times in a row—that would be seven in twelve years. I think we accomplished something very special. It’s exceptional in every way. People are aware of its rarity,” Pep Guardiola said about the Champions League. “But in order to be ranked among the best, we must first win the Champions League; otherwise, the list is incomplete. To be regarded as one of the top teams like Manchester United or Liverpool, you must win the Champions League, but it is also unjust to argue that if you don’t, the Premier League is pointless.”
“Naturally, it makes sense, and naturally, it’s significant. Every day of the week has it. This team won five of the most recent six games, but six of the most recent 10, and seven of the most recent 12. It’s incredible. It may seem unjust that you must win the Champions League in order for what you have accomplished to be acknowledged and valued, but we must accept it. That’s good,” he added. “People did not say I had to come here and win the Champions League before we accomplished what we achieved, but now that we have, I realize it will not be complete if I or we do not. But on occasion, working out under pressure is very enjoyable. It is essential. We spoke to one another frequently, insisting that we must act. At the same time, if the club keeps acting in this manner, we will eventually do it. But since we are there, we must try.”
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