Pep Guardiola led Manchester City to an extraordinary achievement, securing a historic treble in the 2022-23 season. This remarkable feat marked a first for the club and only the second time a treble had been accomplished in English football.
Notably, Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United is the only other manager to achieve such glory. Guardiola, however, stands alone as the sole manager to have won the treble twice, underscoring the magnitude of his managerial prowess.
Guardiola’s bold declaration on retirement
Pep Guardiola strongly believes he cannot replicate his last season’s treble achievement. Hence, he’s recently joked that he will end his managerial career if Manchester City repeat their treble feat in the 2023-24 season.
Guardiola, who successfully led Manchester City to their first-ever Champions League title as well as securing the Premier League and FA Cup in the previous season, is well aware of the formidable challenges that come with attempting to replicate such remarkable success in the 2023–24 season. Hence, he believes such feats are hardly replicated by anyone, not even the best team in all of Europe.
In response to queries from former player Gael Clichy about his strategy for the ongoing season and whether he has encouraged his players to target another treble, Guardiola dismissed the idea, stating, “No, no, I think that is a mistake. The Treble? Forget about it. If we win the Treble again I retire, that’s it.”
Pep Guardiola continued further to say his mind: “It’s extremely difficult. How many incredible teams have there been in England? Just once with Sir Alex [Ferguson] and ourselves last season [have won the Treble]. When we spoke [to the players], it [the message] was prepare well, time for first game.
“We will see, our level. The competition itself dictates how your level us. The challenge is higher. September, October, November, thinking about the titles? Forget about it, it’s a big mistake.”
How many trophies has Pep won with Man City?
Guardiola experienced a trophyless first season with Manchester City, but he has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s all-time best managers. He has clinched the Premier League title five times, securing a third consecutive triumph in the current season.
Additionally, Guardiola has claimed the FA Cup twice, the EFL Cup four times, and achieved a long-awaited Champions League victory in the 2022/23 season, bouncing back from a disappointing runner-up finish in the 2021/22 campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s status as one of the greatest managers of all time is underscored by his unique achievement of securing two trebles, one in Spain and the other in England. His latest triumph came with Manchester City’s victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League, making him the first-ever coach to achieve this remarkable feat twice.
Manchester City are currently not in the best form; so, a repetition of last season’s treble is going to be difficult. How is the current season going to be for the Cityzens? Make sure to drop your predictions in the comments.
