Manchester City defender reveals Pep Guardiola’s touching pre-match decision ahead of West Ham clash | OneFootball

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has discussed Pep Guardiola’s emotional pre-match meeting prior to Sunday’s Premier League game against West Ham.

The 22-year-old won his first Premier League title last weekend, marking his maiden campaign at the Etihad Stadium in sensational style, as Manchester City won a record-breaking fourth consecutive title with a win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.

Gvardiol started Sunday’s defining clash, as the Sky Blues beat David Moyes’ side 3-1 to surpass the 90-point mark and secure a sixth Premier League title in seven years, as Phil Foden’s brace and a Rodri strike helped City to a crucial victory.

The Croatian defender moved to Manchester City from RB Leipzig in August, completing a £77 million move to east Manchester, and becoming the second most expensive defender in history, following Harry Maguire’s switch to Manchester United.

Gvardiol has made 41 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and established himself at left-back, scoring a series of crucial goals towards the end of the season, including a long-range strike against Real Madrid and pivotal brace at Craven Cottage.

The defender has been on the scoresheet against Luton Town, Wolves and Fulham in recent weeks, and has made 37 starts for the Sky Blues this season.

Gvardiol has also won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup this campaign, and could add the prestigious Emirates FA Cup to his collection on Saturday, when Manchester City face Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the final.

The 22-year-old has discussed the impact Guardiola has had on this season’s success, and revealed the Catalan’s emotional pre-match meeting with the first-team squad before Sunday’s historic win.

“Even before the game, we had a meeting and we didn’t talk about tactics, he put a video on of the whole season – us playing and scoring goals,” said Gvardiol.

“He’s just different and I believe everyone in the dressing room loves him so much.”

Gvardiol could only have one more season working under the Catalan however, with Guardiola out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season, and having recently hinted about a departure from the Etihad Stadium in 2025.