'They would have fired me' - Pep Guardiola aims dig at Real Madrid and Barcelona as he thanks Manchester City for 'patience' after tough season

Reflecting on a season of ups and downs, the Catalonian tactician opened up about how lucky he was to keep his job at City during an extremely tricky 2024/25 campaign. Referencing the lack of patience shown to managers in other European leagues, Guardiola claimed his former club Barcelona would have sacked him in October, November, or December, when his team were struggling for form.

City's 2024/25 Premier League points tally of 71 was enough to guarantee Champions League qualification, but it was far below par for a side that had amassed an average of 89.75 points per season over the previous four campaigns. Guardiola has been clear that last term's performance simply wasn't good enough, and a serious rebuild is needed.

Speaking to DAZN, Guardiola said: "I've always been able to turn things around when they're not going well, but I haven't managed to do that this year. The situation has gotten the better of me." He added: "With the year we've had, if this were Spain, I wouldn't be coaching in October, November or December.If this were Barça or Madrid they would have sacked me, but here it wasn't even a question. You have to have a little more patience. Look at Carlo Ancelotti: he won the Champions League and La Liga four days ago and now he's off to coach in Brazil." 

Some supporters thought Pep would decide to leave this summer, but the six-time Premier League champion seems determined to turn things around and reach the top again next season. That being said, he also sensationally vowed to quit the club if the size of his squad was not reduced during this summer's overhaul. With that threat on the horizon, there's likely to be plenty of change at the Etihad over the coming weeks.