BARCA TREBLE SNOWBALLED AFTER WINNING FIRST TROPHY
Title win will give us momentum for the rest, says Pep
against Brighton, otherwise we will have to go to Brentford.
“Then to fight against Manchester United is so difficult for many reasons.
“I will try to consider putting as much as possible into my mind for the United game if we are able to win the title quickly, otherwise it will be much more difficult.”
There have been suggestions – usually from rival clubs, who have been left fighting for second place – that Guardiola will have completed his mission if he can emulate Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and his Class of ’99 by winning the lot.
But Guardiola still has two years left on his City contract – and, at the age of 52, his appetite for more success is being fed by living in a country that he insists is unique in its love for football.
Twenty-four hours after seeing his team demolish 14-time European champions Real Madrid 4-0, he spent his evening watching
Sheffield Wednesday’s remarkable League One play-off semi-final victory over Peterborough.
Guardiola said: “Sheffield Wednesday were 4-0 down, then 4-0 up, then extra-time 5-5 and penalties. In my mind, that can only happen in England.
“I can’t imagine I would see that game in Spain or Germany or Italy. It is impossible.
“It was live on Sky and in other countries they don’t do that. Everywhere else they respect the top, top clubs because they have more followers than the others.
“But here in England, the respect for the lower divisions is… hats off ! That’s why this country is special.
“How many were there, 33,000? Packed full after losing the first leg 4-0 is crazy!
“This is England and it is unique. That is why it is so special and that is why I am a long time here. I love it.”