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Pep Guardiola cautioned Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Manchester City will not easily be displaced from their top position.
The manager of the City team has also emphasized to the new principal investor of Manchester United that achieving and maintaining success in the sport will be a difficult task.
This week, Ratcliffe echoed the sentiments of Sir Alex Ferguson while expressing his goals for the Old Trafford team.
The owner of Ineos, a billionaire, has purchased a 27.7% share in United. He stated his desire to overtake both City and Liverpool, who have surpassed the Red Devils in recent years, and “knock them off their perch”.
In the late 1980s, during Liverpool’s reign as the top team, Ferguson used similar language during his early days as manager of United.
“I have no doubt that with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of the team, United will make progress,” stated Guardiola.
“That is a common occurrence, not exclusive to United. All teams aspire for it. We also aim to be there, and while I am in charge, we will continue to strive for it.”
I desire for my team, Man City, to be present. Anything else is of no concern to me. Our main goal is to be present.
The difference in performance between United and current City is significant, as Guardiola’s team has earned 14 titles in the last six years compared to their rivals’ one. This was highlighted by their recent treble win in the previous season.
According to Guardiola, achieving success requires dedication and effort both on and off the playing field.
According to him, success cannot be achieved if all members of the club are not united. It is not solely the responsibility of one player, manager, or individual.
It is crucial for all elements to be in line and properly aligned, as it can become more challenging if they are not.
Despite the challenges we have faced in the past seven or eight years, we have managed to stay in the game. This is a feat that few clubs can achieve, yet we have persevered. The top competitors are aware of how tough it is to maintain our position.
It is uncommon for individuals associated with United to speak positively about City or Liverpool, as Ratcliffe did, despite also calling them “the enemy”.
Success cannot be achieved if all the members of the club are not united. It is impossible.
Pep Guardiola, whose team will be facing Brighton in the Premier League this weekend, believes that recognition could be United’s initial move towards reclaiming their spot at the top.
He stated, “The truth will bring the teams closer to us once they acknowledge it. It is their problem if they choose to deny it for things that do not align with reality. It does not concern us.”
Whenever I’ve been on teams that were not as successful as others, I always looked up to them and considered what steps we could take to reach their level and compete with them.
“When Manchester United was ahead and we were behind, we observed and appreciated their performance. We were eager to gain knowledge from them. The era of Sir Alex Ferguson, with players like Roy Keane, David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Rio Ferdinand, was highly respected. I believe Manchester City looked up to them and aspired to reach their level.”
“We have arrived at our destination now. That’s why I have a sense that these types of comments will return.”
Source: independent.co.uk
