UCL: Guardiola sets sights on back-to-back Champions League titles for Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has challenged his team to achieve to win back-to-back, UEFA Champions League titles.

The reigning treble winners are set to begin the defense of their European crown as they face Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Guardiola, while acknowledging the importance of their historic Champions League win last season, emphasized that their mission is far from complete.

During a press conference, Guardiola said “I’d like to say that for our club to win the Champions League is incredible, the first time in our history but, in perspective, how many teams have won the Champions League once? A lot have won two, three, four, five. In perspective, we did nothing special. It’s just one.”

The City manager is said to be approaching the new campaign with the same energy as in the previous season, recognizing that the pressure of defending the trophy will be different from the challenge of winning it for the first time.

“It’s most difficult to win the first one,” Guardiola noted. “But every season we start the competition in the first game with the target to win the first game, then the group stage, then try to win the Champions League. Nothing changes from before.”

Guardiola acknowledges the upcoming clash with Red Star and the need for his team to maintain a high level of performance.

He highlighted their strong home record in the Champions League, which gives them a solid foundation to build upon as they aim to secure their place in the knockout stages.

“We’re incredibly happy to defend this crown, but this competition doesn’t allow you mistakes,” Guardiola added.