Guardiola Reflects on City’s Pursuit of Titles and January Transfer Plans

In a recent interview with the official Manchester City club website, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that while his team is performing admirably across various competitions, he would prefer to have a more comfortable point lead rather than chasing the current leaders, Arsenal.

Guardiola emphasized that the team will adopt a “game by game” approach as they strive to regain the top position in the Premier League, while also navigating their commitments in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. Notably, throughout his managerial tenure, Guardiola has never experienced two consecutive seasons without securing a league title, which adds pressure to restore City to their former glory following a challenging 2024-25 season without significant trophies. This urgency was evident in his caution to players regarding overindulgence during the Christmas festivities.

He remarked, “The best place to be is at the top, and we are not there yet. I would prefer to have a ten-point lead over everyone, but it is what it is. Arsenal is performing exceptionally well, yet we remain competitive. It is still early in the season—at the end of December. We are in contention in the Champions League, the Premier League, and the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, with important players returning. Let’s take it step by step, game by game.”

Guardiola also paid tribute to the late Mr. Robertson, a significant figure in Forest’s history, expressing condolences on behalf of Manchester City. He stated, “We are heading to one of the toughest venues, and Forest has always posed a challenge, especially during this time. I want to extend heartfelt condolences to Forest and his family, recognizing the importance of his contributions, particularly during the European Cup era. It will be fitting for us to honor such a significant player.”

On the topic of player performances, Guardiola highlighted the impact of attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, who has been in exceptional form recently. However, he expressed a desire for Cherki, as well as all players, to continue improving. “It’s not just about [Cherki]; I want everyone to elevate their game. I know each player’s strengths and weaknesses because I work with them daily. My goal is for each player to strive to become better. For Cherki, the sky is the limit—it all depends on what he aspires to achieve because he is a remarkably talented player.”

As the January transfer window approaches, Guardiola has not dismissed the possibility of bolstering the squad, similar to last year’s successful acquisitions. City has been linked with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65 million ($87 million) release clause effective from January 1, 2026. The Etihad Stadium appears to be his preferred destination amid interest from several clubs.

Reflecting on the transfer market, Guardiola stated, “Anything can happen. Last season, I never expected entering the transfer window with four or five new players due to the number of injuries we faced.”