After the premiere victory with Manchester City, coach Pep Guardiola wants to shape a new era in the premier class.
“There are teams that won the Champions League and disappeared after a season or two. That’s what we have to avoid,” said the Catalan after the 1-0 (0-0) final win in Istanbul against Inter Milan and added with a smile: “Anyone who knows me knows that this doesn’t happen.” You will have to “work even harder” to successfully defend your title.
With obvious irony, Guardiola sent a not entirely serious challenge to record winners Real Madrid, who have won the most important club competition in European football 14 times. “You are only 13 Champions League wins away. Be careful Real Madrid because we are on your heels,” said the 52-year-old. “If you sleep a bit, we’ll catch up with you.”
Man City’s first triumph in the premier class after several unsuccessful attempts was “a great relief for all of us,” admitted Guardiola. Because this will now stop the eternal questioning about the premiere victory. “This final this year was in the stars.”
Guardiola got the treble with two different clubs
Guardiola did not want to confirm that the handle cup is also important for himself because doubts had arisen about his coaching qualities in big games in recent years. He was “incredibly satisfied” and felt “okay” – but supposedly not much more: “To be honest, I was more upset after winning the FA Cup against Manchester United.”
Guardiola is the first coach to win the treble of Champions League, league and national cup with two different clubs. He had already done that with FC Barcelona in 2008/09. In England only Manchester United had won the treble in 1999 with coach Alex Ferguson. Guardiola reported that he received a message from Ferguson on the morning of the final, “which touched me very much”. It is “an honor” for him to be on the same level as the now 81-year-old.
However, Guardiola also pointed out that the Cityzens’ thirst for titles could not be completely quenched every year. “I’m a good coach,” he said with a smile, “but I’m not good enough to win the treble every season.”
