In the summer transfer window, several prominent clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and Saudi Arabia’s wealth were all turned down for one primary reason: to support Pep Guardiola’s team in their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. This feat has never been achieved since the establishment of the Football League in 1892, and to the frustration of Guardiola’s admirers, he extended his contract with Manchester City until 2026, committing to the club’s long-term success.
Guardiola and his team expressed their ambition to set a new record by winning four consecutive titles, acknowledging the immense difficulty of achieving this, especially since two of their previous titles were secured by a mere point in the final games. He highlighted a memorable match against Aston Villa in May 2022 when they were trailing 2-0 in the 70th minute, exemplifying the challenges they’ve overcome. Guardiola emphasized their desire to make history and establish themselves as one of the greatest teams ever, a goal that means a lot to them.
Despite the wealth and allure of other clubs, Manchester City was determined to retain key players. This became evident when influential figures like Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez departed during the summer transfer window. Guardiola’s willingness to let players move on and the team’s commitment to keeping talent like Bernardo Silva were instrumental in maintaining the squad’s strength, even in the face of interest from Barcelona.
Bernardo Silva, who arrived from Monaco in 2017, has accumulated an impressive 15 medals during his time with the club. He spoke about his seven-season tenure at Manchester City, noting that the team’s track record for success was nearly flawless, with only Guardiola’s first season being an exception. He stressed the difficulty of maintaining a winning mentality and the constant pressure from rival teams trying to find ways to defeat them.
With Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona and Kevin de Bruyne’s injury absence, Silva has taken on added responsibilities as one of the more experienced players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s hunger for success, especially after their triumphant last season, which included winning the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
Silva acknowledged that while their opponents have strengthened this season, the team’s quality remains high, and their chances of winning are substantial if their hunger and motivation persist. He also highlighted the team’s resilience, noting that even when key players are injured or unavailable, Manchester City continues to perform well, emphasizing the sense of unity and collective purpose in the dressing room.