Pep Guardiola (foto: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola mocked Manchester City’s January spending despite £84m outlay, insisting six Premier League rivals still outspend City and should now deliver titles.
Pep Guardiola responded with visible sarcasm after Manchester City spent £84 million in the January transfer window, dismissing criticism by pointing to long-term net spending figures.
City signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64 million and added Marc Guehi for £20 million to cover defensive injuries. The spending made City the biggest January spenders in the Premier League.
Despite that, Guardiola claimed the club is still behind its rivals financially.
“I am a little bit sad and upset because our net spend in the last five years is only seventh in the Premier League,” he said. “I want to be first. I don’t understand why the club has not spent more money.”
City’s total spending across the last three transfer windows now stands at £485 million. During January, the club also sold Oscar Bobb to Fulham for £27 million and loaned Kalvin Phillips to Sheffield United.
Guardiola then referred to recently published net spend figures.
“This is fact, not opinion,” he said. “Six teams have spent more than us in the last five years. Now they have to win the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cups.”
The figures show Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Liverpool all ahead of City in net spend over that period.
“Good luck to them,” Guardiola added. “I am waiting.”
The comments came ahead of City’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, where Guardiola’s side hold a 2-0 lead.
Rúben Dias has returned to training, while Jérémy Doku remains sidelined. Rayan Cherki is also being assessed after picking up a knock.
“We have the chance to reach our fifth Carabao Cup final in ten years,” Guardiola said. “Against Newcastle, you always need to be ready.”