Pep Guardiola doesn’t want Manchester City to be one-hit wonders in the Uefa Champions League, setting his sights on back-to-back triumphs in the competition.
Man City finally claimed the trophy for the first time last season when they narrowly defeated Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul thanks to Rodri’s second half goal.
Guardiola, however, says that the club “didn’t do anything special” by winning it just once, and has urged his players to join the greats of the game by repeating the feat this term.
“I’d like to say that for our club to win the Champions League is something incredible,” said Guardiola,
“But how many teams have won the Champions League once? A lot. But a lot have won two, three, four, five. There is one team that has won a lot, a lot, a lot. In perspective, we did not do anything special. Just one.
“Of course, we didn’t have it and we’re proud. It’s most difficult to win the first one. It’s something incredible for us, the first time in our history, but it’s just once. Let’s go.
“People say we won it and it’s done. It’s not done. They’re happy, we’re happy. If I wanted to live for the memories I wouldn’t be here. I’d be at home or on a beach.
“The competition gives us a new challenge so at least try. I don’t have any doubt we will try. Just Madrid, or the [Arrigo] Sacchi period with Milan, they did it again in a row. I was incredibly proud at Barcelona to win two in four years but we didn’t win it in a row.
“Let’s try by being ourselves. If we aren’t able to win it, like the previous six seasons, then qualify for next year and try again.”
Kyle Walker agreed with his manager. “To go again and again is what separates good teams from great teams,” the right-back said.
Man City kick off their Champions League campaign against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday night, with kickoff set for 20:00 BST.
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