In fact, Guardiola’s lowest distance at the club was just 71 points since he was in charge in 2016, but the Stones said the team is determined to get things right over the next 10 months.
“(Last season) was humble for us.
“It brings us to reality what we did, what we have achieved over the years, and how proud we should be – and clearly annoyed by what we did last season.
“That’s not something we want to replicate again. Getting third, three or four points from Arsenal is not our standard and it’s not good.
“How we played all season, we have to get it right and go back to our identity, go back to the winning game, have that presence about us, believe in ourselves as a team.
“Last season was tough, and it was tough going on with what we did, so I’ll take it back.
“We will definitely come back with that fire in our belly and achieve it.”
After a busy summer when they saw them compete at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, City returned to action on Saturday, August 9th in a preseason clash with Palermo.
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Man City “want to challenge ourselves and do our best” – Guardiola
Video Credits: SNTV
This will be the only warm-up fixture for the ongoing 2025/26 campaign against wolves on Molineux in 7 days.
So there wasn’t much time for the club’s summer signature to gel with new teammates.
However, the Stones are pleased with what he saw from the new signature, and believe they all bring an extra dimension to the side.
“The people who came in were amazing,” he continued. “It takes a little time to get used to the style of play, what is expected, what is being asked.
“But they’re the reason, the quality they have. The aspect of the game is different from what we’ve had in the past.
“I’m excited to play with them and see what they’re doing.”
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de Bruyne reveals he has “a lot of offers”, but the “best” was Naples
Video Credits: SNTV
Speculation: “It makes me laugh”
Meanwhile, the Stones have sidelined speculations of a move away from Etihad Stadium this summer.
The defender joined Manchester City from Everton in 2016.
Over the past nine years, he has earned 277 appearances for the club, but only 11 appearances in the top flights last season.
That led to reports that he might be heading for the exit, but the Stones says it can’t be far from the truth.
“I was told this. I can’t see anything,” he added. “That makes me laugh, but I understand why people do it.
“There’s nothing to comment on. I love it here. Nothing is happening. I’ll fight, play here and hopefully win some trophies.”
