Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City is “Miles Away” from Premier League champions Liverpool, and cannot guarantee that his side will challenge the Reds for the title of next season.
City champion of England in each of the previous four-end 13 points Drift on the part of Arne Slot, after a difficult campaign 2024-25.
The citizens of 71 points were their lowest since Guardiola took the lead at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, while ending the season without a trophy for the second time during his term of office.
The city saw a slump in the middle of the season falling from the Premier League title, while they also suffered a premature Champions League exit before they lost Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
The side of Guardiola, however, has secured Champions League football for a 15th consecutive season, thanks to a 2-0 win over Fulham on the last day.
But Guardiola is uncertain whether City can shoot herself back in the Premier League title the next term.
“I don't know. I never thought we would win six Premier League titles in seven years,” he said. “But if you expect me to tell you now that we will win the Premier League next season, you're wrong.
“Since I arrived at this club, we have finished 80 points and this season we have finished 71, so that is miles away from our standards. And it happened for many reasons.
“Sports and football give you another chance, and we will look to prove ourselves.
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“But we are miles away from Liverpool. That is the reality. I have the feeling that next season will be better, but I don't know how we will respond after the club's World Cup. We will be exhausted for next season without vacation.
“We have to rise and increase our level, otherwise we will not compete for the titles to fight. But if we are fit, we will try it, and we will be closer.”
City waved goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne after 10 glorious seasons in the Etihad Stadium, while the future of Jack Grealisk is also the subject of intense speculation.
Guardiola expects to strengthen his team with newcomers, but does not see himself making wholesale changes.
“I don't have that feeling,” he added. “I have 24 players and I recently saw them train and I said,” Oh my God, how good are they?! “
“New faces will come, especially in positions where we are weaker, but I don't think we need a lot. We have a good team and I don't want many players.
“But we will see it. Summer is long. There will be players who realize that they do not play and want to leave. But that is not my business now. I have qualified for the Champions League and the rest of the club is.”