Guardiola believes he is better manager despite City’s trophy-less season

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted he has not lost his touch despite a barren first season managing in the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side lost 4-2 in extra time in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday at the hands of reigning champions Arsenal – a result which confirms that City will finish without a trophy this term.

But the Spaniard – who has won 21 major honours in Spain and Germany in a glittering managerial career thus far – has rejected talk that he cannot mix it with the best in England.

And Guardiola is adamant that his reputation has not been tarnished by a trophy-less first season in Manchester, insisting he has learned some valuable lessons along the way.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“I am not a worse manager because I didn’t win the title,” said Guardiola, whose side are still in contention to finish in the top four.

“I feel as though I’m a better manager than before because I learned a lot and am more experienced. I’ve learned to handle situations better than before.

“I am expecting to have a long career as a manager and it will happen again one year (not winning the title). I am not at a club who have won a lot of titles like Barcelona, Bayern, Madrid, Inter, Juventus or AC Milan.”