The secrets of Man City's success: Pep Guardiola's lucky roll-neck and the vital team-bonding trip packed with quizzes and volleyball When you’re in the stadium you HAVE to support your own players - Listen to the It's All Kicking Off! podcast By Jack Gaughan Published: 21:00 EDT, 19 May 2024 | Updated: 21:00 EDT, 19 May 2024 e-mail View comments A solemn place, the Luton Town directors’ box. Manchester City were in December and six points behind the leaders. Pep Guardiola remonstrated with referee Craig Pawson as they went in at half-time a goal down.
Kevin De Bruyne was absent and Erling Haaland had a foot injury which would keep him out for two months. Another slip-up could have been terminal and staff knew it, staring straight into the distance or pacing around the corporate area. It appeared as if City were on the precipice.
An hour later, wild celebrations in front of the away end. It felt like a big 2-1 win. Yet only a week later, as Phil Foden conceded a stoppage-time penalty, a two-goal lead was blown at home to Crystal Palace .
Back to square one. In fourth, five points adrift of Arsenal . City had won once in six matches.
They have since won 18 of 21 in a show of endurance that only this extraordinary man in charge can engineer year on year. Guardiola has worn the same blue knitwear for every domestic game since Palace, even when baking hot at Fulham a week ago. Geniuses are allowed their superstitions too.
Guardiola would disagree that City’s season turned a.
