Pep Guardiola has hit back at claims that Manchester City buy their success, citing a “seventh-place” net spend ranking to pressure higher-spending rivals into winning major trophies.
Pep Guardiola has launched a defiant defense of Manchester City’s recent success, pointing to data that shows six Premier League rivals have outspent them over the last five years.
Despite high-profile signings like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi this winter, the Catalan manager insisted his side’s “seventh-placed” net spend ranking places the burden of success on other clubs.
Guardiola humorously claimed to be “grumpy” with his board for not spending more.
The City boss challenged his rivals to match his team’s trophy haul, arguing that financial investment must translate into silverware.
He stated: “I want to be 1st! I don’t understand how the club don’t spend more money. So I’m a little bit more grumpy with them!”
He concluded by highlighting the pressure on high spenders: “Good luck to the six teams in front of us in net spend – I’m waiting…”