Guardiola celebrates ‘hardest’ Premier League title, praises ‘special’ Man City players

MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola ha claimed that his third Premier League title with the club was harder to win than the first two.

The club were confirmed as 2020/2021 champions after their neighbours and closest challengers Manchester United lost 2-1 at home to Leicester City on Tuesday night.

Having led City to the title in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, this league trophy is Guardiola’s third in five years, and he is the only manager in the club’s history to win the top fight title more than once in the Premier League era.

City struggled at the beginning of the season and were eighth at a stage, but a 21-game winning streak took them to the top of the table and they have a 10-point gap over second-place Manchester United with just three games to go.

“This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other,” Guardiola, who also won league titles in Spain and Getmany, said in a statement to celebrate his latest triumph.

“This was the hardest one. 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.

“That is equally true of each and every member of our backroom staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our players are fully equipped to take on the unexpected challenges and new routines throughout such a turbulent year.

“Not forgetting, of course, all of the staff across our organisation who work to make this club the success it is. Whether that’s been from the offices at CFA or working from home, the efforts of every employee in such trying circumstances have contributed to this achievement.”

City won the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and will play for their first-ever UEFA Champions League title when they meet Chelsea in the final on 29 May.

However, Guardiola insists his main target was always regaining the Premier League title.

“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us,” the Spaniard added.

“This is the one where you have to be there every three days, 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.

“It is so important to say a huge thank to all our fans.

“In our toughest moments, we couldn’t hear the crowd get behind us as usual, but we know they are with us everywhere we go and that has lifted us.

“I promise them we sense their love, we appreciate it and we could not have done what we have done without it.

“I hope we can all celebrate together one day not too far away.

“It has been such a hard year for so many people. This one is really for our fans and for Colin Bell and all his family.”