This is what Pep Guardiola says in his programme notes today:
“It is fantastic to be here once again with a chance of winning the title. This is the most competitive league in world football, where every single team has huge quality. We have a chance today to make history by winning four titles in a row and I could not be prouder of this football club, no matter what happens.
“Every years I have spent here in England I have the feeling that winning the Premier League gets harder. We have consistently been there fighting to win it, which says everything about the mentality and quality of my players. I am very, very proud of them.”
“We know this club has a history of fighting until the end, with so many occasions where we have had to go into the final day of the season to make sure we win the title. We did it as far back as 1968, when Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee went to Newcastle and won 4-3. It happened in 2012 with Sergio’s goal against QPR, and again in 2014, 2019 and 2022. It requires heard, desire, character and personality, and hopefully my players can show those qualities again today.
“One thing I know for certain is we need our people behind us today. You guys are absolutely amazing and the support we have had from you this season has meant everything to us. Honestly, you help us so much. It’s on days like this where your support, your energy, your love, your passion… it all makes us stronger.”
“Our job is simple: we have to win and to achieve this objective we have to come together. Today we are a collective – WE NEED TO FEEL YOUR ENERGY AND HEAR YOUR NOISE. LET’S DO THIS!
“We can achieve something very special, guys. Being Premier League champions is something we should never ever take for granted and we have the chance to feel it again.”
“To be in our own stadium, with all of you guys behind us, with a chance to win the Premier League is a privilege. I do not say this lightly – these days mean everything to us. We have an opportunity to create history and we will do everything we can to take it. All of us should do our best to embrace this day – enjoy it and let’s try to create more special memories.”