Kruecken and Guardiola hail EDS title win | OneFootball

Academy director Thomas Kruecken and City manager Pep Guardiola paid their own special tributes to the Elite Development Squad and coaching staff in the wake of our Premier League 2 play-off title triumph.

The City Under-21s claimed the prestigious crown on Thursday night after a 2-0 victory against Southampton in the final at the Joie Stadium.

Being crowned as Premier League 2 champions caps what has truly been a season to savour for Lead Coach Ben Wilkinson and his squad.

The City youngsters finished winners of the regular Premier League 2 campaign after what was a superb campaign, winning 15 of our 20 matches.

Our EDS then successfully navigated a challenging play-off programme which saw us overcome Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United before then beating the Saints in the final.

The achievement follows the Club’s previous Premier League 2 triumphs in 2021, 22 and 23 before the league then initiated the new play-off format and sees City become the first Club to claim four PL2 title triumphs.

It also serves as just the latest evidence of the superb work of the Club’s Academy set up.

And both Kruecken and Guardiola were quick to pay tribute to the commitment and exemplary attitude of everyone who had helped make this latest success possible.

“To become Premier League 2 champions is a magnificent achievement for Ben [Wilkinson], the players, the staff and everyone connected to the Academy,” said Kruecken.

“Everyone has shown their quality day in, day out both in helping us to win the PL2 league phase and then successfully coming through the play-off rounds.

“Our Under-21s have also served as the benchmark for the style of play we want all our age groups to adopt here at the Academy.

“But the achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of every single person who strives to help make us better as an Academy.

“It makes me so proud to see the amazing work our staff do every single day.

“Being crowned champions is a fantastic achievement which caps a great year for the Academy.”

The Academy director’s warm words were echoed by Guardiola who has spoken regularly of his admiration for the work of our Academy.

Pep has afforded several of City’s exciting youngsters’ opportunities at first team level.

And the boss was also full of admiration and praise in the wake of our Under-21s’ latest stand-out success.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the players along with Ben and his staff on what is a wonderful achievement,” said the City manager.

“To win the Premier League title is such a tough thing to achieve and a matter of huge pride for us all at the Club.

“The manner of their victory showed how talented our young players are and also proved that they play with courage and personality too.

“We see how strong the Academy is every single day, and the quality is there every single time the young players train with us.

“I hope they enjoy this achievement because it is a reward for everyone’s hard work and commitment across the season.”