Pep Guardiola delivers cryptic warning to Manchester City players and supporters

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a cryptic warning to players and supporters after Thursday’s key victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Sky Blues kicked off 2023 with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in West London, as City moved within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

In a closely-fought contest, a second half goal from substitute Riyad Mahrez proved the difference, as Manchester City returned to winnings ways after a disappointing draw against Everton on New Year’s Eve.

The Algerian linked up brilliantly with fellow substitute Jack Grealish, as the England forward delivered a delicious deep cross towards the far post.

City moved four points clear of Newcastle United and Manchester United as a result of the win, with Erik ten Hag’s buoyant side the Blues’ next opponents in the league.

The Blues are bidding to win the Premier League title for a third successive season after dramatically piping Liverpool to the crown on the final day of the last campaign.

Guardiola’s side have amassed significant points totals over the past few years, historically winning the league with 100 points in 2018.

Should City retain their Premier League crown again this year then the Blues would have lifted the trophy in five of the past six seasons.

However, the City manager delivered a cryptic message to players and supporters following Thursday’s slender victory at Stamford Bridge, warning people against continually drawing links with the Blues’ recent past successes.

“When you compete with the past, you are always going to lose, because memories are nicer than reality,” said the Catalan during his post-match press conference.

The Blues’ attention now quickly turns to trying to win silverware elsewhere, with an Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City also travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, a competition Guardiola has won on four previous occasions.