Pep Guardiola insists it took just TWO DAYS to get over Man City’s Champions League final heartbreak… but refuses to comment on Harry Kane chase ahead of Tottenham opener
- Pep Guardoila only needed two days to get over the Champions League final
- Manchester City were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea after winning the Premier League
- The manager refused to comment on the future of transfer target Harry Kane
- City begin their title defence with a trip to Kane’s Tottenham on Sunday
Pep Guardiola claimed it took only two days to overcome the disappointment of Manchester City’s Champions League defeat as he begins a quest for a fourth league title this weekend.
City open their season at Tottenham on Sunday to the backdrop of their public pursuit of Harry Kane, who wants a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola – who has delayed a team vote on which five players will make up his leadership group until after the transfer window – held a meeting with the squad on Thursday to tell them they can kick on from last year.
Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City’s Champions League defeat only took two days to overcome
City were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in Porto but Guardiola is now ready to chase more trophies
‘We were disappointed to lose the final over the one or two days afterwards but after that, when you sit more calmly with your family, you say: “wow, look how good that was”,’ Guardiola said.
‘It was an exceptional season, by far one of the best I’ve experienced in my life. We arrived in finals and semi-finals, won the title. Yesterday I congratulated the team, the first time we were together since last season. It will be in our memories forever.’
Riyad Mahrez revealed earlier this week that nobody spoke inside the City dressing room after the 1-0 reverse against Chelsea in Porto.
City kick off their Premier League title defence with a trip to Tottenham on Sunday
Guardiola refused to be drawn on Harry Kane after previously admitting he wants to sign the Spurs striker
Guardiola wants to go one better this term and wants Kane to spearhead the attack – breaking his own rules to confirm as much last week.
‘I answered this question in the previous press conference,’ the City boss added.
‘He’s a player from Tottenham Hotspur. I made an exception last time but usually I don’t talk about transfers. It’s not my business. That’s all.’
Kane trained with Spurs on Friday and will fill the void left by Sergio Aguero, whose family were left angry at how his departure was handled.
‘Unfortunately Sergio was injured for more than a year – he played few, few games because of injuries,’ Guardiola said. ‘He was always important when fit. He was always recognised by myself, even if his family don’t believe that.’
Kane trained with Tottenham on Friday after returning from holiday following Euro 2020