Pep Guardiola has delivered a sharp response to former players and pundits’ Premier League title predictions which have written off his side’s chances after an inconsistent start to the season.
The City boss, who has built one of English football’s most dominant dynasties since his arrival in 2016, dismissed what he described as “early-season hysteria,” insisting that it is far too soon to judge the potential champions.
Under Guardiola, City have claimed six Premier League titles in the past nine years and have often recovered from slow starts to dominate the second half of campaigns.
Yet this season, the Sky Blues have faced early scrutiny after a strong 4–0 win away to Wolves on the opening weekend was followed by successive defeats — a shock home loss to Tottenham Hotspur and a disappointing reverse at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Those setbacks left City outside the top four after three matches, prompting some pundits’ Premier League title predictions to favour Arsenal and Liverpool, by claiming that they had already established themselves as the frontrunners.
Guardiola, however, made it clear that such conclusions are premature and that former professionals turned commentators often forget how unpredictable football can be over a 38-game season.
The Catalan coach, known for his composure in times of pressure, stressed that his team has faced similar moments before and always managed to regain form.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa this weekend, Guardiola dismissed claims that his side’s early results signify decline.
“Well, in the first two games, three games, yeah for sure we are out [of the Premier League title race]. And Liverpool is already done, and now it looks like Liverpool is done. And I’ll tell you that they will be back,” he said with a hint of irony.
The 54-year-old continued, “I’ve said many times, I know all the pundits, all the specialists or former players, they know everything that is going to happen after five games – I’m not able to do that.
“So, always I wait for 10, 15 games to know exactly what is going on. But I think obviously Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will be there, and hopefully we can be there.”
It should be noted that City have often started campaigns at a measured pace, only to surge into top form once the season reaches its decisive stages.
two previous season, for instance, they trailed Arsenal by as many as eight points midway through the season but went on to claim the title comfortably.
Guardiola’s insistence on patience and perspective has been a hallmark of his tenure, helping City navigate challenges both on and off the pitch.
Guardiola defends his team’s mentality and belief
The Manchester City manager’s words also underline his faith in the squad’s mentality, particularly after a summer of transitions. Several new faces, including defensive reinforcements and midfield additions, have been adjusting to Guardiola’s tactical demands.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland’s continued brilliance in front of goal remains a major source of optimism. The Norwegian striker’s blistering start to the season — including goals in all competitions — has helped keep City competitive despite some shaky defensive performances.
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Guardiola’s handling of such moments has often been rooted in trust and perspective rather than panic. He has consistently shielded his players from external criticism and redirected attention toward the broader process of improvement.
“We have always needed time to find our rhythm,” Guardiola noted according to Cityxtra, echoing his message from previous seasons. “Sometimes we play better after two months, three months. The key is to stay calm and keep working.”
This weekend’s clash with Aston Villa offers an ideal chance for City to reassert themselves. Villa Park has been a challenging ground in recent years, hosting several intense encounters between the two clubs.
A win would extend City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to ten matches, a statistic that underlines their underlying consistency despite the early blip in the league.
