Credits: X/@DaznFootball

Real Madrid and Barcelona Would Have Sacked Me: Pep Guardiola on Man City’s Poor Season

City will next be seen in action at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on Saturday in the United States.

Credits: X/@DaznFootball

Pep Guardiola has admitted that had he endured the kind of season he just experienced at Manchester City while managing either Real Madrid or Barcelona, he would likely have been sacked. The Spanish tactician made the candid revelation after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that marked City’s worst season under his tenure.

After four consecutive Premier League titles, City faltered significantly, finishing third in the table, 13 points behind champions Liverpool. They were knocked out early in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and suffered a stunning FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. As a result, the trophyless season triggered questions about the team’s direction under Guardiola.

Heading stateside ✈️🇺🇸
@FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/qHE6dSCgcV | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/zMdrXW4dhp
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 12, 2025

You have to have a little more patience: Guardiola

Guardiola, however, was shown unwavering faith by the City board, as he signed a new contract extension in November, the most turbulent phase of the season. City endured a run of nine losses in 13 matches between late October and mid-December. Reflecting on this stretch, the 53-year-old said to DAZN,

“I’ve always been able to turn things around when they’re not going well, but I haven’t managed to do that this year. The situation has gotten the better of me. With the year we’ve had, if this were Spain, I wouldn’t be coaching in October, November or December. If this were Barça or Madrid they would have sacked me, but here it wasn’t even a question. You have to have a little more patience. Look at Carlo Ancelotti: he won the Champions League and La Liga four days ago and now he’s off to coach in Brazil.”

Pep Guardiola was honest about this past season at Manchester City 😳 pic.twitter.com/OjXBwz3CID
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 12, 2025

A Season Below Expectations

City’s final tally of 71 Premier League points, though enough to secure Champions League qualification, was far below the standard set by Guardiola’s side in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, they averaged nearly 90 points per season, dominating both domestically and in Europe.

City’s hierarchy has already signaled its support for Guardiola by backing him in the transfer market. The club has completed early deals for Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders, with more movement expected as part of a wider squad overhaul.

City will next be seen in action at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on Saturday in the United States. The tournament offers a chance for City to regroup and potentially rebuild momentum ahead of the upcoming new season.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.