Pep Guardiola shares “bad news” with Manchester City fans after ‘unexpected’ 0-2 win over Chelsea | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been keen to insist on “bad news” to supporters following his side’s 0-2 win over Chelsea on the opening weekend.

Goals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic secured the perfect start for the reigning Premier League champions on the opening weekend of the new top-flight season.

Manchester City are going in search of yet more history this campaign, eyeing the status of becoming the first side to win five English top-flight titles in a row, having become the first club to win four-in-a-row last season.

Whilst Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff were no doubt buoyed by the performance against Enzo Maresca’s side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the City manager was keen to hit home some hard facts regarding the reality of the victory in the wider picture of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the opening contest win over Chelsea, Guardiola insisted on the ‘unexpected’ nature of his Manchester City side’s win over Enzo Maresca’s squad, whilst sharing some “bad news” with supporters.

“I didn’t expect it. We are away from our best so three points is the good news,” said Guardiola after the contest. “The bad news is we have 65 games ahead of us.”

“We have an advantage, it’s our ninth season together so we know each other well. Of course there are mistakes you have to improve but we talked, the difference in being champions was our body language, how did we behave?”

Guardiola continued, “It’s the bad moments in the season and in the games that define the big teams. For me, it is an honour to be in charge of these guys. I’m so fortunate, I could not say more.”

Manchester City can no doubt only improve as the season goes on, and that could start as soon as this week, with the club expected to see significant strides made in the fitness and readiness of their English contingent following their extended summer breaks.

Phil Foden was the first of the trio to return to match action, coming on as a half-time substitute against Chelsea to replace the injured Savinho, whilst Kyle Walker and John Stones were unused from the bench.

Rodri could also return to training ground activities this week, having been further rested despite reporting for medical testing and media duties midway through last week after an extended summer break following his European Championship success.