Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has thrown down the gauntlet to his squad, questioning whether they still possess the “monster mentality” that once defined their dominance.
As the business end of the season kicks into high gear, Guardiola acknowledged that while past success proves what the club is capable of, the current group must show it all over again on the pitch.
“Sometimes, you don’t have that [monster mentality]. We have to prove again we have it because we proved in the past for the older generation of players, but now I don’t know,” said Guardiola.
In football terms, Guardiola is demanding a late push—one where big moments require big responses. With silverware on the line, the margin for error has narrowed, and City must find that extra gear.
“We have to do it, to find a way to win the games. The big teams always find a way in decisive moments.”
Having lifted multiple trophies in recent years, City built a reputation for delivering under pressure.
However, Guardiola admitted that this season presents a different challenge, with a refreshed squad still finding its identity.
“In the past we did it many, many times and now I don’t know because the team is 50 per cent new. That’s why we have to see how they handle it.”
Now, as the title race and cup competitions reach their climax, the stakes could not be higher.
Every match becomes a final, every moment potentially decisive.
“In these stages, it’s about winning or losing the Premier League or the FA Cup.”
All eyes are now on City to see if they can respond like champions once again—digging deep, stepping up, and proving that their winning mentality remains intact when it matters most.
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