In a remarkably candid admission, Pep Guardiola has pinpointed a collective lack of energy as the fundamental reason behind Manchester City's failure to secure silverware in the 2024/25 season.
The City manager, speaking ahead of his team's Premier League clash with Brentford, took significant personal responsibility for the campaign which saw the club finish third and exit the Champions League in the quarter-finals. Guardiola confessed that his own diminished drive had a tangible impact on the squad's performance.
A Collective Dip in Intensity
Guardiola's reflection was stark and introspective. He explained that the unique demands of managing a top club require a manager to project relentless energy and passion, which he felt he was unable to consistently provide last term. This, he believes, transmitted to his players.
"The manager has to be the first one to push them, and last season I didn't have the energy to do that," Guardiola stated. He elaborated that this wasn't about tactical knowledge or training methods, but the vital, intangible spark needed to compete at the very highest level. The result was a team that, while talented, often seemed a fraction off the ferocious pace they had set in previous, trophy-laden years.
Reflection and the Road to Renewal
The Catalan coach revealed that the disappointing season prompted a period of deep personal reflection during the summer. He questioned his own future and capacity to continue motivating a squad that had achieved so much. However, this period of doubt ultimately solidified his commitment.
Guardiola confirmed he now feels "fresh" and re-energised, a sentiment he is determined to pass on to his squad. He emphasised that the responsibility for reigniting the team's fire lies squarely with him. His focus is now on using the experience as a catalyst, ensuring the group learns from the collective lapse and returns hungrier.
Looking Ahead to the Brentford Challenge
Guardiola's immediate task is to prepare his squad for a tricky away fixture against Brentford. He acknowledged the specific threat posed by Thomas Frank's well-organised side, particularly from set-pieces. The match represents an early test of whether Guardiola's renewed vigour is translating to improved performances on the pitch.
The manager's frank assessment serves as a clear message to the football world: Manchester City's standards slipped, and the root cause has been identified. The 2024/25 season is now framed as an anomaly, a lesson in the psychological demands of sustained success. With Guardiola declaring himself recharged, the implication is that a return to their dominant best is the only acceptable outcome for the reigning champions.
