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Pep Guardiola's Perfect Reply To Trolls Praying His Downfall- 'I'm Delighted'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 1:07 PM ET

Manchester City had a difficult 2024-25 season under Pep Guardiola and were unable to win any major trophies. After years of dominating English football, City looked vulnerable this past season, which took a toll on the players and Guardiola.

The Spanish manager and the players look on for the upcoming season, and trophies are once again the objective for the club. This past season was arguably Guardiola's toughest season as a manager.

In an interview with GQ España, Guardiola confirmed that the season took a toll on him and that the criticism from opposing fans was unlike past seasons.

Man City aims towards a better season than last season, which, to many City fans, is forgettable.

Guardiola's Bold Response To Haters

When asked about doubters or 'haters' who wish upon his Manchester City team's downfall, Guardiola replied with mockery, welcoming the doubters.

Pep Guardiola: "If people are waiting for me to fail? Yes, of course. And I delightfully welcome it. I'm Delighted. This gives me energy."

Guardiola mentions the fans from other teams mocking him during matches in the Premier League this past season. One of the chants Guardiola heard the most was 'You'll be sacked in the morning'.

He discussed that the job of a football manager is tough when many people make fun of him and his team during a tough season. After 61 games this past season, Man City's record was 33 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses.

Hablamos en exclusiva con Pep Guardiola y nos cuenta cuándo se va a retirar del fútbol. Lamentablemente, parece que va a ser pronto. https://t.co/RhtkrepKre
— GQ España (@GQSpain) July 27, 2025

Pep Guardiola: "This year, I've been for four or five months in each stadium away from home with the public shouting: 'You'll be sacked in the morning.'... There is no other profession in which 60,000 people ask you to be unemployed. They want you to be unemployed."

What's Next for Manchester City?

After being eliminated in the Round of 16 by Al Hilal in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Man City players enjoyed most of July to rest.

The Premier League season will begin in a few weeks, but before that, Man City will play one friendly match to prepare.

City will take on Palermo FC on August 9. The Italian club is a part of the City Football Group, and the game will be for a trophy, the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy.

Man City's first game of the 2025-26 season will be on August 16 when they take on Wolves at the Molineux Stadium in the Premier League. City players have already started their first training session ahead of the new season.