Guardiola Downplays Treble Talk, Says City Must Focus on 'Next Game'

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, believes it is premature to consider winning a third championship, saying "it is a fantasy right now."

With the English Premier League title, the FA Cup back, and their first-ever Champions League victory, City had an unprecedented season last year. Pep was repeatedly asked the same question as the new season got underway. Will City also attempt a treble this time?

"I am unable to respond to that query; at this point, the treble is only a dream. We can all retire after that if we win another triple crown. Imagine winning twice; it's not simple to win one. To consider that would be the worst error.

"The prudent course of action is to consider who my next opponent is, what the next game is, and how to accomplish my goals, which include competing by April or May. The 52-year-old Spaniard stated in an interview published by Star Sports Network, "Be close to the top of the league, Champions League being there, FA Cup being there, this is the target of the season to do it step by step, enjoy the process and try to win the next game."

Pep thinks it means a lot to something amazing because Manchester United, under Alex Ferguson, were the first team to accomplish a treble in 1999. You are aware of the treble, but you don't use it much. Alongside our neighbours Manchester United, for the second time in the history of England. Thus, proving to ourselves that we have accomplished something extraordinary means a lot. That is really lovely, then."

City has already won the Fifa Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup in the new season, making it five titles in one calendar year. Nonetheless, they are having some difficulty in the English Premier League. With 40 points from 19 games, they are ranked fourth in the standings, but City usually steps it up come playoff time and never displays any symptoms of nervousness. They leave on Saturday for Newcastle.

The hardest thing for a coach to do, according to Pep, is to bench a player who should be in the starting lineup. "The hardest part of the job is not letting many players who deserve to play in the first squad. It doesn't matter if a player treats his partner badly, but there are certain players who are genuinely nice people, and it is difficult to leave them out of the selection."

Speaking of the Manchester derby, Pep, the match is particularly meaningful for both the city and the supporters. "I only enjoy the Derby when we win. When we lose to them, it bothers me. It's a unique game for the city and the supporters, and it's excellent when you can defeat them."

Due to a quad injury, midfielder Joelinton will be out for at least six weeks for Newcastle, adding to an already dire injury situation. The 27-year-old Brazilian sustained the injury when they visited rival Sunderland in the FA Cup's third round.

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