Guardiola praises City squad despite ending trophyless

Despite winning six league titles, two Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and four domestic cup competitions with his previous two clubs, Pep Guardiola has branded his current Manchester City squad as among the best groups he has worked with.

Guardiola has finished his first season in charge at the Etihad trophyless, and had to wait until the final day of the campaign to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

But after Sunday’s 5-0 drubbing of Watford, the Spaniard said he cannot wait to get going again when the new season rolls around in August.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

“We made good things during the season. You are judged on results. The gap is too big, we have to play better to be close to them. We are going to try,” he said.

“It is not a club with history of playing in Europe like United or Arsenal. But now we are there five or six years and now we can try to close the gap on the elite.

“The best teams in Europe will be at the Etihad next season. I don’t know what we need to add. This is one of the best groups I have ever trained, they never gave up. It was a pleasure to be with them.”