Guardiola: 'Now everyone has to find another reason to criticize Man City'
"The Champions League is a really difficult competition. With a club that has never won, it's great to win this title," Guardiola told UEFA.com homepage.
The Spanish coach reiterated the views that Man City would not have complete success without the Champions League title, despite winning the Premier League five times in the last six seasons. "Now people will have to find another reason to criticize Man City," added Guardiola. "The most important thing is that City are very close to the title for a long time and know that in the end they will win it."
Last season, Man City won a historic treble when they beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final. Thanks to that, Guardiola completed the collection at the Etihad Stadium, after helping Man City dominate English football for nearly a decade.
Guardiola said there was nothing to inspire Man City before the Inter match, because the majority of players had played together for seven years and understood each other very well. "It's important to continue to work as hard as the previous part of the season," said the 52-year-old coach. "We know Inter are tough opponents, know the stress to go through. Winning the Champions League for the first time is always an emotionally challenging situation. That might change a bit if we do. I have a chance to get to another final."
Man City will meet Europa League champions Sevilla in the European Super Cup match at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Greece at 2am on August 17, Hanoi time. Sevilla are being led by Jose Luis Mendilibar - who replaced Jorge Sampaoli on a contract at the end of last season and was extended for a year after beating Roma in the Europa League final.
Guardiola knew Mendilibar from his time at Barcelona and praised his compatriots for turning things around at Sevilla so quickly. According to Guardiola, Sevilla under Mendilibar played directly, very strong in the two-sided ball phase and stuffed into the penalty area. "Sevilla knows how to perform in European competitions and it will be a spectacular European Super Cup. I can't wait to face Sevilla and see Mendilibar again after a long time," added Guardiola.
The Champions League final of the 2023-2024 season will take place at Wembley Stadium, London on June 1, 2024. Guardiola recalled the good memories at this stadium, when he and Barca won Sampdoria 1-0 in the European Cup final in 1992 when he was still a player. As a coach, he led Barca to defeat Man Utd 3-1 in the Champions League final in 2011.
"But it's a long way to Wembley," added Guardiola. "There's still work to be done. The season has only just begun, but it's good that the Champions League final will be held at Wembley. It's a great stadium and city, and for sure UEFA will host it. great tournament".
