Pep Guardiola of Manchester City has responded to the speculations that labeled him the god of football.
The former FC Barcelona manager produced a hilarious answer when asked if he’s now the greatest of all time.
What happened to Pep Guardiola?
The former Bayern Munich head coach has been in the sky-blue paradise just six weeks ago since his side secured the Champions League title to complete the 2022/2023 season with a treble.
Guardiola is frequently referred to as the GOAT, an acronym for “Greatest Of All Time,” because of his tremendous success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola joined the Cityzens in the summer of 2016 and has refurbished the club and taken them to a new level in the domestic league and European football.
Guardiola led City to a historic Treble in the 2022/2023 season when the club won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League for the first time in the club history.
Therefore, many believe Guardiola has solidified his status as the GOAT by ending his Champions League drought.
Pep Guardiola responded to declarations labeling him a football god
The question of whether or not Guardiola is the greatest of all time came up during Man City’s pre-season tour in Tokyo, Japan.
According to journalist, Rich Fay, Guardiola said; “I am not a goat and I don’t have any intention to be”.
Even after seven years of unprecedented success at the Etihad, Guardiola is still fighting the inner demons that push him to perfection. He’s been a coach for 15 years and has collected 34 titles.
During the weekend, the 52-year-old spoke with the media for the first time since the club’s arrival in Japan for their pre-season tour, during which they will play Yokohama Marinos, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid.
The fate of many City players are up in the air as the Spanish coach considers several incoming and existing trade transactions.
Concern has been heard circulating through the Etihad Stadium over the future of a few players who are technically part of the group that has made the trip to Japan.
The fates of both Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo were already uncertain, but following Guardiola’s latest comments, they become even more so.
Guardiola was also asked about the potential lineup for his team when the summer transfer market closes.
The Spanish International said: “I think many things are going to happen. I can not answer. I want the best for my players. I spoke with Kyle and everything was right. We will see what happens”.
Bayern Munich have been linked to England international Kyle Walker, but City are reportedly eager to keep Walker.
According to reports, Riyad Mahrez has agreed on a transfer fee and is close to making the move to the Saudi Professional League club, Al Ahli.
City decided to add Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to their midfield after captain Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona when his contract expired.
What’s next for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City?
The Cityzens will kick off their 2023/2024 English Premier League campaign with an away match against newly promoted Burnley led by former Man City captain Vincent Kompany.
On the other hand, Next season, Man City has a chance to make even more history by becoming the first club to win four consecutive Premier League crowns.
They will fly to Saudi Arabia in December for the Club World Cup, in addition to competing in the Community Shield and European Super Club before the Premier League season begins.
In addition, City hopes to add RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol to recent arrival Mateo Kovacic, who cost the club £30 million. If there are other departures, City will have to invest more money.
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