One Moment in Time: Pep’s City debut | OneFootball

We’re going back to where it all started for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

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As we stand here today, 10 seasons in, it’s been quite the fairytale story for the Blues during the Guardiola era.

The manager has collected 18 major trophies in that time – one each of the Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup, six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, four League Cups and three Community Shields.

He’s undoubtedly overseen the most successful period in City’s 130-year history and further cemented his name as one of the game’s all-time inspired and truly transformational managers.

Guardiola has given rise to Centurions, Fourmidables, Treble Winners, Champions of the World and History Makers during an era of unprecedented success.

But returning to this story’s origins.

Excitement was at an all-time high as the club released a statement on 1 February 2016, confirming the Catalan’s arrival on a three-year deal.

What followed was his unveiling in July as he arrived at the CFA in ‘Pep’s Taxi’ – surprising City fan Braydon Bent with a lift - before being introduced to fans for the first time and conducting an interview with Noel Gallagher as part of the Etihad Cityzens Weekend event.

The real business began in August against this weekend’s opponents Sunderland on the opening day of the 2016/17 season.

Guardiola faced the press the afternoon before and was asked about his hopes for the campaign to come.

“I know we are here to win titles,” he told assembled media. “But to create something we need time. But to play with soul, we don’t need time. That’s what I’m looking for from my team and my players and I want our fans at the Etihad to see that.”

The manager did need that time to deliver silverware to the trophy cabinet but his team certainly played with the necessary spirit and character to see off the Black Cats in a season where we ultimately finished third in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, fourth round of the League Cup and the Champions League Round of 16.

But good things come to those who wait, hey?

Guardiola took his place in the dugout – smartly dressed in suit and tie – and witnessed his team recording a 2-1 success over the Wearsiders.

In the City line-up that day was debutant John Stones, making his first appearance since joining from Everton.

He took his place alongside the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in the fourth minute from the spot but that was cancelled out by Jermain Defoe 20 minutes from time.

However, with time running out, Sunderland’s new signing Paddy McNair provided Pep with a winning start to his Manchester City career with a late own-goal from a Jesus Navas cross.

Rewinding back again to that media briefing the day before the game and the new boss told journalists: “I am a lucky guy to be here. I will always be grateful for the people from Manchester City to give me this opportunity be here today and for my first Premier League game.”

If Pep was appreciative of the chance to manage City, we’re all indebted to what he’s delivered for us in the glory years since.