Pep Guardiola is not hopeful that Manchester City will be able to repeat their incredible treble victory.
City begins the process all over again on Friday, two months after their zenith achievement—winning the Champions League for the first time to complete the treble. As they begin the Premier League season and their championship defence, the Blues will travel to Vincent Kompany’s freshly promoted Burnley.
On the eve of the new season, Guardiola attempted to temper expectations by expressing his skepticism about City’s ability to repeat their success from previous year.
The manager added, “I don’t think it will be able to replicate what we did last season [the Treble].” “Last season, we scaled the highest mountain; however, we have since descended it.
“Like everyone else, we begin. The season will be as it is because of our mindset. You begin each season from scratch. The past is self-evident. Our goal should be to put on a good show for Burnley, then Newcastle, and finally Sheffield United.
“It feels like we ended yesterday, yet we’re just getting started. From scratch, we play each game. Thinking about the title in August and September is not a good idea. We’ll move forward day by day and strive to improve constantly.
This season, City’s schedule is expected to be even more demanding because they will play Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup the following week before competing in the Club World Cup in December. When asked if decision-makers in football needed to consider players and managers more, Guardiola responded, “There were meetings with Uefa and the Premier League sometimes. There we were.
“Playing football is fine, but there aren’t enough days in the week. We don’t play under the same circumstances as the other Premier League teams, despite claims to the contrary; instead, we compete in more games than other teams. We have more games. After playing Sevilla on Wednesday, we will play Newcastle on Saturday.
“We are unable to grant the players a day off. The Premier League, FIFA, Uefa, and European clubs all have voting rights. Nothing will change, in my opinion. We [managers] are busy getting ready for a game when they invite us to these meetings. I’m pressed for time. A lot, in fact.