Guardiola feels the need to prove himself after his most difficult season

Pep Guardiola will be out to prove himself once more next season after what he labelled as the toughest campaign of his managerial career.

Guardiola’s Manchester City side have fallen well short of expectations this season.

Hampered by a long-term injury to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, City went on a dismal run of just one win in 13 games across all competitions prior to Christmas.

With that run having all but ended their hopes of winning a fifth straight Premier League title, City then failed to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, losing a play-off to Real Madrid.

City are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League, though, while they are into the FA Cup final – should they lose to Crystal Palace at Wembley next week, however, then it will mark the first time since Guardiola’s first season in charge, in 2016-17, that they have not won at least one major trophy (not including the Community Shield).

Guardiola’s City are on course to a points per game average under 2.0 for the first time, while their tally of nine top-flight league defeats this term is their t-worst total since he took over, alongside 2019-20.

“It’s been the most difficult [season], that’s for sure,” said Guardiola.

“It’s been more demanding. Much more. When you don’t win, it’s more demanding emotionally.

A late winner against Southampton back in 2017 pic.twitter.com/ZzahzXSW7W

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 9, 2025

“It’s been more difficult. It’s been more difficult than the previous seasons we played for the titles.

“Every time we have to prove ourselves. When I listened to the players who said what I’ve done in my career, I don’t have anything to prove. [They are] completely wrong.

“I had to prove myself again and again, and I’m disappointed in myself when it’s not going well. When I retire, I will review my career. But right now, [the] next game I have to prove myself. So life doesn’t live from memories.”

City face already-relegated Southampton on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side have won their last four Premier League games, their t-longest winning run of the season. They are looking to win back-to-back away league games for the first time since August.