Pep Guardiola has warned the rest of the Premier League that Manchester City will be “stronger, better” next season, as his side stands on the brink of retaining the title. City need just a win against Brighton on Sunday to become the first team since Manchester United a decade ago to win back-to-back titles, and could complete an unprecedented domestic treble by beating Watford in the FA Cup final.
Guardiola is confident his team will improve further, despite already amassing a record 106 goals last season. “We will be better,” he said. “Next season we will be stronger. I am sure. We will be stronger. We will be better.” He believes City have developed as an attacking force, particularly against packed defences, and have improved their consistency.
The City manager is so convinced of his players' determination that he feels no need for a pre-match team talk. “I don’t have to say anything to motivate them,” he said. “I think my speech will be zero. They want to win the Premier League.” He added that he is sleeping “like a little boy” and feels no nerves, unlike before the crucial win over Liverpool in January.
Guardiola’s message to his players, if he were to give one, would be simple: “Go out and play like you have done in the last two seasons. Be yourself and whatever happens, it is incredible what you have done.”
