September 18, (THEWILL) – Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has downplayed the significance of his side’s UEFA Champions League triumph last season, saying they “haven’t done anything special” by winning just one European crown.
THEWILL recalls that City became only the second English team to complete the treble after defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in May’s Champions League final. Speaking ahead of City’s title defence opener against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday, Guardiola claimed it would now be “easier” to win the competition again. “For our club to win the Champions League is incredible, but in perspective, how many won one Champions League? A lot,” he said. “We haven’t done anything special with just one, but we are incredibly proud.”
Guardiola revealed he has not re-watched City’s 1-0 victory over Inter in Istanbul, where Spain international Rodri grabbed the decisive goal. “I didn’t watch the game, not at all,” admitted the manager. “I had the feeling they [Inter] were a strong team. They proved it. It was a tight game, but they showed how strong they are and they are a candidate again.”
England full-back, Kyle Walker, insisted the reigning English Premier League champions would not become complacent after last term’s European success. “What we’ve done is in the past now, it’s a new season. The manager drew a diagram and had us at the bottom of the mountain and we have to climb it again,” he said.
City are in UCL Group G along with Red Star, German club RB Leipzig and Swiss outfit Young Boys. They will be looking to make a winning start to their title defence against Red Star at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
