Manchester City should “spend more money” admits “grumpy” Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has issued a trophy threat to clubs who have invested heavier figures than Manchester City in the last five years, speaking during his latest press conference.

The comments come at a time when City’s transfer strategy has come under some scrutiny, despite the club strengthening in key areas during the most recent window and taking advantage of clear opportunities in the transfer market.

The arrivals of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace were viewed as targeted additions rather than statements, continuing a recruitment model that prioritises squad balance over volume as well as with a clear view towards the future.

Pep Guardiola’s latest remarks also follow a period in which Manchester City have been forced to rely heavily on depth due to injuries, as the manager repeatedly highlights the importance of squad efficiency rather than pure spending power.

Manchester City’s head coach has been speaking ahead of a pivotal Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle – a tie that has the Etihad Stadium residents holding a 2-0 advantage from the first-leg in the North-East.

Speaking to reporters ahead of City’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg, Guardiola was quizzed for his thoughts on another successful transfer window for the club as they signed Semenyo and Guehi.

“I’m a little bit sad and upset because in net spend in the last five years we are seventh in the Premier League. So I want to be first! I don’t understand how the club don’t spend more money! So I’m a little bit more grumpy with them.

“But, with that position, like we won in the past, because we spent a lot, now six teams have to win the Premier Leagues, the Champions Leagues, the FA Cups, because they’ve spent more in the last five years. These are facts. These are not, I would say, an opinion. You can say an opinion like for example, ‘You played good’ or ‘played bad’ against Spurs. So we can agree or disagree.

“But they are facts. So good luck to the six teams who are in front of us in net spent in the last five years, let’s go! I’m waiting.”

While Pep Guardiola’s tone was clearly tongue-in-cheek, the message carries familiar undertones as Manchester City’s dominance under the Catalan tactician has often been framed externally around spending.

Yet recent seasons – particularly the ongoing campaign – has seen rivals outspend them considerably while Manchester City continue to challenge for major honours.

Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola’s comments may add further edge to the club’s run-in across competitions, although whether the “grumpy” challenge translates into silverware remains to be seen.