“Nobody believes me” – Pep Guardiola issues clear warning to trophy rivals over Manchester City threat | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remains hugely optimistic of a positive season for his squad given their attacking options.

City’s campaign has already showcased the depth and variety of Pep Guardiola’s forward line, with Erling Haaland continuing to lead the attack with goalscoring output, Jeremy Doku bringing explosive pace and creativity, while Phil Foden assumes a talismanic role.

Alongside those currently fit and firing, the Manchester City boss is also awaiting the returns of key attacking figures such as Omar Marmoush and new recruit Rayan Cherki following their recent injury lay-offs.

Their reintegration into matchday squads could provide Guardiola with even greater flexibility across competitions and, coupled with Manchester City’s existing attacking firepower, leaving the Catalan coach confident of mounting a strong challenge on all fronts.

The strength of Pep Guardiola’s words comes at a time when rivals are searching for any signs of vulnerability, as injuries to other figures such as Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Ait-Nouri create questions around defensive solidity.

Yet Pep Guardiola has been keen to stress that his forward line, bolstered by young names such as Savinho and Oscar Bobb, will provide more than enough attacking impetus across the campaign.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League this weekend, Guardiola was quizzed on his attacking threat, given the performances of Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku in particular, alongside Phil Foden.

“And Omar [Marmoush] will be back, and [Rayan] Cherki will be back,” Guardiola interuppted as he pointed out the other options that are currently not at his disposal due to fitness and injury problems.

The Manchester City manager then added, “I know nobody believes me but I’m incredibly optimistic and positive what’s going to happen this season.”

If Guardiola’s optimism proves correct, the return of Marmoush and Cherki could be monumental heading into the notoriously challenging winter fixture list in English football. With Foden in top form, Haaland firing, and Doku tormenting defenders, the reintegration of two fresh attacking weapons could make City one of Europe’s most feared sides.

This development also raises selection dilemmas as to how Guardiola balances minutes for his senior stars while providing opportunities to breakout performers like Savinho and Oscar Bobb in a situation that will be closely watched.

In previous seasons, City’s ability to rotate without losing intensity has been key to their trophy pushes, and this year could be no different. As the season progresses, Guardiola’s warning may serve as a reminder to rivals that the club’s true attacking threat is yet to be unleashed in full.