SHEIKH IS STIRRED BY SUCCESS

MANCHESTER CITY owner Sheikh Mansour is challenging Pep Guardiola and his players to carry on piling up the trophies.

City clinched the title with three games to spare on Tuesday, their third success in four years and fifth since the Abu Dhabi regime transformed the club with their 2008 takeover.

Last month they won the Carabao Cup for the fourth year running (above) and will clinch the second treble of Guardiola’s glittering reign if they can beat Chelsea on May 29 to win the Champions League for the first time.

Guardiola has won 10 major trophies since becoming City boss in 2018, while the club have landed 16 in total since Sheikh Mansour arrived to bankroll their era of unprecedented glory.

In a rare public comment, he said: “I congratulate the fans of Manchester City football club in England and all the countries of the world, who stood behind the team throughout a difficult season due to the pandemic.

“I also thank the management, players, team coach and all the club’s staff for winning the Premier League, wishing that this wonderful achievement will be a catalyst for more titles.”

Guardiola and his players will receive the trophy following their final league game of the season at home to Everton on Sunday week when Carlo Ancelotti’s players will give the champions a guard of honour.

It is understood City’s players will also honour Sergio Aguero – the club’s outgoing all-time leading goalscorer – by allowing him to lift the trophy along with captain Fernandinho.

Guardiola paid tribute to his boss’ commitment and said: “Everything this club has done in the last 10 years since Sheikh Mansour took over and Khaldoon (Al-Mubarak) the chairman leading the people. We did it. Big compliment for everyone.

“I’ve been in Spain and in Germany and I can say this is the toughest league. By far.”