Pep’s all set for a City break-up in the summer
PEP GUARDIOLA admits some of his title-winning squad could decide to leave this summer.
And he has also warned that Manchester City can’t be expected to win Doubles and Trebles every season after their disappointment in losing the FA Cup final to city rivals United.
The City boss has set his standards so high that only winning the Premier League this season – a history-making fourth consecutive title – feels like a disappointment.
It feels like a crossroads for this team.
Kevin De Bruyne will be 33 this summer and has been targeted by mega-rich Saudi Pro League clubs even if the Belgium midfielder wants to stay.
Barcelona are long term admirers of Bernardo Silva while keeper Ederson has also been on the radar of Saudi clubs.
Guardiola says his players have been “amazing and extraordinary” and sometimes City face unrealistic expectations.
He said: “Next season is far away. We’ll have to go step by step, we’ll see what happens, what squad we will have.
“My feeling is that this season has been amazing.
“I know some players have to make a decision on whether they stay with us,
some players might come. I’m really pleased with the team, how they’ve behaved all season.
“My sporting director says everything is fine for next year but right now I don’t know what might happen.
“It was nice to be in this final, but unfortunately we lost. People say every season we have to win Trebles and Doubles – we are good, but not that good.
“We tried, we were there until the end. We lost a game because in finals a lot of things can happen in moments, mistakes, decisions and it can influence the game.”
Guardiola also insists City should reflect on the season with great pride, including their Champions League campaign where they only went out to Real Madrid on penalties.
The Spaniard said: “The team’s been extraordinary, the way we played in the CL where we didn’t lose one game. They gave everything today to perform as well as possible and we had the chances to equalise.”
Classy City also stayed on the pitch to watch United lift the trophy and Guardiola added: “You have to stay and give respect to the opponent. We played to win, they deserved it, congratulations.”