Pep Guardiola has set his sights on extending Manchester City’s dynasty ‘for as many years as possible’.
Manchester City have emerged as the dominant force in the Premier League across the last decade, winning seven of the last 12 league titles. The Citizens are aiming to become the first team in English top-flight history to win four consecutive crowns this season.
Guardiola’s side have replaced Manchester United as the league’s leading superpower in recent campaigns, with the Red Devils having won 13 league titles between 1993 and 2013.
The two teams go head-to-head in the Manchester Derby this weekend and Guardiola has spoken of his desire to extend City’s trophy-laden period for as long as possible.
“[In the] 80s it was Liverpool, 90s was United, now we are this many years, winning seven Premier Leagues in the last 11, 12 years,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“It has happened, but in 50 or 60 years there has never in one country been a club that dominates and controls everything, so we can try to extend for as many years as possible what we are trying to do.
“But, especially, the consistency is proved again in the game against Luton. I have total respect for what Rob Edwards is doing with his team and the way they play.
“Going there and [winning 6-2] showed what we have done over this many years and that made me proud.”
Manchester City have had the upper hand in recent derby clashes and have won five of the last six encounters, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season. However, Guardiola said he is not underestimating the threat of Erik ten Hag’s team this weekend.
“What I have learned from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm and relaxed. Don’t talk about many, many things, just focus on tactics. What you have to do to beat them. Not about emotions.
“They are able to go Wolves – and we know how difficult it is to beat them – and to Luton – and we know how difficult it is to beat them – and the quality in Aston Villa, to go there and win – that was only a few weeks ago. So they have to have incredible quality to do that.
“For one action, they create something special at set-pieces or in open play, with a connection between a few players, and they score goals.
“It has always been with Man United that way – when they play good they win games.
“We are in March already, and in 2024 they have lost just one – last week at home. The consistency they produce this season is there. So tactically, we prepare what we need to, to try to win the game, get three points and try to stay up there.”
