MANCHESTER, England (AP) — pep guardiola On Tuesday, he teased Manchester City’s critics, saying he was dissatisfied with the club’s spending despite spending a reported $115 million in signing fees during the January transfer window.
The city is the biggest waster He played in the midseason slot for the second year in a row, following the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. spent Over $500 million in the last 12 months Since being bought by the Abu Dhabi tycoon in 2008, they have dominated English football through exorbitant transfer deals.
This has led to criticism of their purchasing power, but Guardiola pointed out that six of City’s Premier League rivals have had higher net spending in recent years, putting pressure on them to emulate his team’s success.
“I’m a bit sad and upset because we’ve been seventh in the Premier League in terms of net spending over the last five years,” he joked. “I want to be number one. I don’t understand why the club doesn’t spend more money. I’m a bit unhappy with them.”
“But just as we won the championship in the past because we spent so much money, now six teams have to win the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup because we spent more than they have in the last five years.”
Citi’s net spending over the past five years was $543 million, according to figures from statistics website Transfermarkt.
Manchester United topped the list with $925 million, followed by Arsenal ($908 million), Chelsea ($892 million), Tottenham ($786 million), Newcastle ($581 million) and Liverpool ($575 million).
Since the 2021-22 season, City have won three league titles: the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup. This period also included winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble in 2023.
Liverpool won three trophies during that period, including last year’s title. Last season, Man United won two domestic cups, Tottenham the Europa League and Newcastle the English League Cup. Although Arsenal have not won any trophies, they are top of the Premier League this season.
Guardiola, who has won 15 major titles since taking over in 2016, said: “I wish the six teams ahead of us good luck in net spending over the last five years. Let’s go. We’ll be waiting.”
City remain in contention to win all the trophies this season, and Guardiola spoke ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg game against winners Newcastle.
His team led 2-0 after the first leg and could win a fifth trophy under Guardiola.
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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