MAN CITY WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Pep lands third title as Sky Blues boss and says: ‘It was hardest one’
PEP GUARDIOLA saluted his “special” players after Manchester City were crowned champions saying: “This was the hardest one.” Defeat for Manchester United against Leicester finally delivered a third title of his hugely successful five-year Etihad reign.
But the City boss maintained this has been the toughest of all campaigns, with a gruelling schedule, no fans and battling restrictions throughout. “This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other – this was the hardest one,” said Guardiola, whose side are 10 points clear of United with three games remaining. “We will
always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.
“They are so special.To come through this season – with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced – and show the consistency we have is remarkable.
“It is relentless. Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better.They have been so, so resilient.”
City can still land a treble this season, having already won the Carabao Cup and with a Champions League final to come against Chelsea on May 29. But Guardiola, who has landed eight domestic trophies since arriving in Manchester in 2016, said the league title is always the most important piece of silverware on offer.
“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us,” he said. “This is the one where you have to be playing all your rivals home and away. Only by being the very best, week in week out, can you win this competition. It is a huge success.”
City captain Fernandinho echoed his manager’s words but also said they now need to win in Europe to complete the season. “Winning the title is the fulfilment of our ambitions,” he said.