Pep Guardiola: Staying In The Champions League Is Easier Than Winning Him

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, admits it's easier to defend the Champions League title (photo: twitter @ManCity)

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, said their efforts to defend the Champions League title would be easier than their long attempt to win the top club competition in Europe. This statement was made by Guardiola at a press conference on Monday, September 18.

Manchester City won their first Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in June 2023. This feat ended the years of disappointment and almost-miss them in this competition.

Regarding City's chances of defending the title ahead of Group G's opener against Red Star Belgrade, Guardiola said, "It will be easier. The hardest to win is the first. This is really amazing for us, but only one."

However, Guardiola said his players shouldn't feel comfortable, adding, "Tomorrow is the first step. We'll try to get the first three points."

"It's important for players not to feel relaxed. For our club, winning the Champions League is a great thing, but in perspective how many clubs won one Champions League? A lot."

"We haven't done anything special with just one, but we are very proud," he said.

Guardiola said that the injured trio of players, namely Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Mateo Kovacic, all of whom missed City's 3-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday, would still not be available on Tuesday.

"I think they're getting better, they won't be playing tomorrow," added Guardiola.

"Hopefully for the match against Nottingham Forest (in the Premier League on Saturday) or the match will be because we need it, because right now we don't have a big squad, but this is what it is," he said.

City also won Premier League titles and the FA Cup for treble last season, but despite the success, England defender Kyle Walker said there was no shortage of motivation in the squad.

"This is our job (to stay motivated). We are in big clubs for reasons," Walker told reporters.

"The motivation must come from within you, you must move forward and be motivated. The manager wants to get more, he is not satisfied with second place, and we have to follow in his footsteps," Walker said.

"What we have achieved is something that has passed, it's a new season. The manager drew a diagram and placed us at the bottom of the mountain and we have to climb it again. Continuing is what distinguishes the team from the great team," he added.