Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have rediscovered the energy that was missing last season, lifting the “fog” that hung over a disappointing campaign. The Manchester City manager pointed to the Club World Cup as a turning point, saying the team’s improved form stems from a renewed vigour in training and competition.
City are on an eight-match winning run in all competitions, including six consecutive Premier League victories, after a late goal from Rayan Cherki secured a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. They sit two points behind league leaders Arsenal, who host Aston Villa on Tuesday, before City face Sunderland on Thursday.
Guardiola acknowledged that he himself was drained last season, saying “something was in the fog” around the club’s training centre. He stressed that regaining energy was more important than tactical adjustments, calling discussions about formations “bullshit”. The manager credited a series of dinners and talks during the off-season, along with a reshaped coaching staff including Jürgen Klopp’s former assistant Pep Lijnders, as critical to the turnaround.
“Something changed,” Guardiola said. “It doesn’t mean you are going to win but that you are able to recognise the team. Now it is eight victories in a row. It is not easy but we compete in the way we do.” He added that energy can fluctuate but expressed no concern about it not returning: “Energy can go down but energy can go up. Never in our lives is it the same.”
