Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has refused to guarantee if they will mount a title challenge next season after struggling to defend the title in the 2024-25 season.
The 2024 Champions endured a disappointing season by their high standards, finishing third on the log while ending trophyless for the first time since 2016.
The Cityzens won the Premier League title for four consecutive seasons before Liverpool ended their dominance.
Guardiola was asked if Manchester City would be in a position to vie for the Premier League title next season.
He responded: : “I don’t know. I never thought we would win six Premier League titles in seven years.
“But if you expect that I am going to tell you now that next season we are going to win the Premier League, you are wrong.
“Since I have arrived at this club, we have finished with 80-plus points and this season we have finished with 71 so that is miles away from our standards. And it has happened for many reasons.
“Sport and football gives you another chance and we will look to prove ourselves.
“But we are miles away from Liverpool. That is the reality. I have a feeling next season will be better but I don’t know how we will react after the Club World Cup. We will be exhausted without a holiday before next season.
Guardiola revealed that Man City must improve their squad if they are to challenge for the title next season.
He said: “We have to rise and increase our level otherwise we will not compete to fight for the titles. But if we are fit, we will try and we will be closer.
“New faces will come, especially in positions where we are weaker, but I don’t think we need a lot. We have a good squad and I don’t want a lot of players.
“But we will see. The summer is long. There will be players who realise they don’t play and want to leave. But that is now not my business. I qualified for the Champions League and the rest belongs to the club.”
Manchester City are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and many others expected to depart.
