Pep Guardiola Sends Strong Warning: “We Must Find Our Energy Again”

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City “lost their energy” last season but promised that his side will once again become a nightmare for opponents if they can rediscover their old intensity.

Speaking to reporters, Guardiola reflected on what made City such a dominant force in recent years. “All the time we were a team that ran a lot, a lot without the ball,” he said. “We were a pain in the ass for opponents in high pressing, running, everything – always we were that. Last season, for injuries, we lost the energy.”

The City boss was clear that the issue was not just about covering ground or running endlessly. “The most important is you have to come back and after, we’ll see. But what I’m concerned about is how we played. Run, run? It’s about when you have to run. I can go to the track, run a marathon, play – it’s not about that. You have to know when you have to do it.”

A shift in City’s identity

Guardiola’s comments point to a subtle but important change in Manchester City’s style last season. While the treble winners of 2022/23 thrived on suffocating teams with relentless pressing and quick recovery of possession, City looked more laboured at times last year. Injuries to key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and John Stones meant the squad was often reshuffled, and as a result, City weren’t always able to sustain their trademark intensity.

The numbers back this up. According to Opta, City ranked lower in “high turnovers” and “pressures leading to shots” compared to their treble-winning campaign. Opponents also found it easier to play through City’s press, which added more strain on the defence.

Guardiola’s vision for the new season

Despite those struggles, Guardiola sounded optimistic about the future. “We’ll have bad moments,” he admitted, “but as much as we’re fit and have spirit, we’ll be an uncomfortable team for opponents. This is what we were in the past; in terms of energy, passion, desire, love and joy, and sadness when you lose. If we come back with that, we’ll be an uncomfortable team for the rest.”

It’s a clear reminder that Guardiola sees football as more than just tactics and technical ability. For him, energy, emotion and spirit are just as crucial. City’s dominance under him has often come from their willingness to run, press and battle in addition to their quality on the ball.

The challenge ahead

City are still favourites to fight for every major trophy this season, but Guardiola knows the margins are fine. Arsenal pushed them close last year, Liverpool under Arne Slot look refreshed, and several other clubs are strengthening. To stay on top, City will need not just the brilliance of Erling Haaland’s goals or Phil Foden’s creativity but also the energy and togetherness that made them almost unbeatable.