“We’re hungry” – Josko Gvardiol sends silverware warning to Manchester City’s title rivals | OneFootball

Josko Gvardiol has made a clear statement on the ambitions of those in the Manchester City dressing room this season.

The Croatia international was integral to City’s record-shattering 2023/24 campaign in which the Sky Blues accomplished a feat that may never be topped: Four consecutive English top-flight titles.

Manchester City’s No.24 was voted as the club’s Player of the Season in the last campaign for consistent performances in a rather bleak term, as the Blues reached May without major silverware for the first time since 2016/17.

The 23-year-old achieved two clean sheets with his national side while barring the door against both the Czech Republic and Gibraltar at the heart of the Croatian backline this month, although attention has now turned firmly to club action, .

The Blues’ £77 million man says team trophies are what drives him to continue improving to be at his very best every day, making it clear that all the hard work in the opening weeks of the season is all done with one collective goal in mind.

In an interview with Manchester City, Gvardiol said, “We aim for trophies – if you don’t do that, there’s no point in competing,” he began. “It’s really simple – after last season, we haven’t won anything, and it’s really clear that we want to be back where we used to be.

“Of course, we’re hungry, and this season is the perfect timing to forget everything from last season. We are there, and we are doing good. The next six, seven or eight games are going to be really crucial for us before the next international break. It’s not going to be easy.”

Manchester City have not been shy of changing philosophy to adapt to the recent overhaul in regard to both personnel and staff, content with perhaps having less of the ball in the Premier League than seasons gone by, which would see the Blues dominate the ball.

This has meant a slight change for Josko Gvardiol, who has taken up an increased responsibility in building play from the back for the former treble winners, operating from the centre of defence.

The Croatian has assisted Erling Haaland for two of Manchester City’s recent goals, lifting the ball in behind opposition defences for the Norwegian to make the most of such opportunities in both the Champions League against Monaco, and in the Premier League against Brentford.

When asked about how best to handle tough fixtures against sides who adopt a very high press, Josko Gvardiol expressed that there must be heavy emphasis on patience and trust in your teammates as a whole.

“You need to be patient – especially the backline. The process we do is difficult,” he said. “Every season is getting more and more difficult because other teams know what we do, and they’re aware every time we get a goal kick, they will press us high.”

“We train every day, and of course, the most important thing is that we trust each other. The only way to build that and to understand each other is to play together and next to each other.

“We train every day – the relationship inside the dressing room is better than ever. This is what we need in football and on the pitch as well.”

Silverware is the goal for Josko Gvardiol and Manchester City, so the question remains: Can Pep Guardiola’s side build up a head of steam as they fight to reclaim their desperately desired trophies?