“It’s not going to change” – Pep Guardiola concedes Manchester City’s spending will always cloud on-pitch accolades | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side’s success over the years will always be credited to their financial acumen in the transfer market.

Guardiola has led City to unprecedented glory since he replaced Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City manager in 2016, helping the Blues build a winning dynasty and establish the club as one of England’s most successful sides.

The Catalan has led City to a record four successive Premier League titles, a maiden UEFA Champions League en route to a historic treble, a historic domestic treble that hasn’t been repeated before or since – amongst a plethora of silverware.

With under 18 months left on the 54-year-old’s current deal at the Etihad Stadium, there is a growing belief in sections of the English media that Guardiola is likely to call it a day at Manchester City at the end of the current season.

City have won just one of their last six Premier League games and after losing further ground to league leaders Arsenal in the title rivals by squandering a two goal lead against Tottenham last week, Guardiola will know the importance of returning to winning ways against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Marc Guehi will ineligible for the Blues in the return leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against the Magpies, though his fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo is expected to retain his starting spot after scoring his fourth goal in Manchester City colours against Tottenham three weeks after joining from Bournemouth for £64 million.

The Blues have recruited well in the January window and previewing the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Guardiola joked about Manchester City’s net spend in recent seasons to aim fun as long-standing critics of his side and their accomplishments over the years.

When pressed for clarification around his comments, Guardiola said: “It was a joke. It was a joke.” On whether City’s spending will forever be attached to people’s perception of their achievements on the pitch, Guardiola admitted that he does not expect his side to ever get the credit they deserve to.

“No, never. Never, never. Always we will live for that,” the Catalan said. “(How much does that hurt you?) Nothing, for 10 years. Every time we won, it was the reason why, it was that.

“It’s not going to (change) – but no concerns, zero. Sometimes I make comments to make a funny or this boring press conference after 10 seasons, but the numbers, the reality is the reality, so never – it’s not going to change.”

There is growing uncertainty over Guardiola’s future at Manchester City amid a belief that this season may be his last at the Etihad Stadium, with sporting director Hugo Viana and club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak scouting the managerial market for a capable replacement.

A decision on Guardiola’s future is expected to come near the end of the season, with recent reports suggesting that Manchester City bosses have formed an early stage three-man shortlist of contenders to replace the 55-year-old: Enzo Maresca, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso.