Pep Guardiola named Barclays Manager of the Season

May 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola has been crowned 2023-24 Premier League Manager of the Season after another spectacular season as Manchester City manager.

Pep Guardiola named Barclays Manager of the Season

The Citizens became the first team in English top-flight history to win four successive titles, defeating West Ham United 3-1 on the final day of the season to finish two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

Man City won each of their last nine games of the season, totaling 91 points, exceeding the 90-point threshold for the fourth time under Guardiola’s supervision – more than any other club in Premier League history.

The 53-year-old has now led Manchester City to six trophies in the last seven seasons, tying Bob Paisley and George Ramsey for second place in English manager history.

Guardiola has also won the Manager of the Season title in five of the eight seasons he has been in charge of Manchester City, having won it in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, and 2022-23 – only Sir Alex Ferguson (11) has gotten it more times.

Pep Guardiola aims to “defend” the MOTS award in 2024-25

Guardiola has stated that he “will defend” his MOTS award in 2024-25, which could be his last as City manager based on his post-match comments last weekend, but he is eager to share this season’s success with fellow nominees Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Unai Emery of Aston Villa, and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth.

“I want to share it, oh absolutely! “Especially with Mikel [Arteta], who has done an incredible job up until the last game, pushing us to our limits,” Guardiola told the Premier League’s official website.

“Of course, for Jurgen [Klopp], for the memorable battles over many years. And Unai Emery does something incredible again to get Aston Villa into the [UEFA] Champions League.

“And Andoni Iraola, in his debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth, has done an excellent job of recovering from a difficult start to the season.

“It is an honor to stand alongside all of them and earn this prize. We will do our best to protect this prize in the future.”

Pep Guardiola is ‘honored’ to win the newest distinction

Guardiola told mancity.com after earning his award: “It’s an honour to have been named Premier League Manager of the Season.”

This award recognizes the hard work and excellence of the club’s employees in all departments.

“I am really delighted to be the manager of this group of players and to work every day with the fantastic coaches and support staff.

“Winning four titles in a row is one of the proudest moments in my career. This is the toughest league in the world, and our opponents have played some outstanding football.

“When I first arrived in England, I never imagined that we’d win six Premier League titles in seven years.

“We have done something unbelievable and to celebrate that with our fans last Sunday was a day I will always remember.”

Txiki Begiristain, Man City’s Director of Football, added: “Everyone at City is thrilled for Pep and this latest recognition of his achievements.

“As Pep is always keen to remind out, our record-breaking achievement is a team effort that would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our players, coaches, and backroom personnel.

“However, Pep’s inspired leadership and determination to succeed has transformed us into a magnificent squad to watch, and we have once again emerged victorious in the world’s most competitive league.

“He has taken the club to the summit of the game and everyone connected with Manchester City should be very proud that he represents us.”

Guardiola has won 17 trophies as Manchester City manager since taking over the Etihad Stadium in 2016, and he might add an 18th if the Citizens win the FA Cup against Manchester United on Saturday.

Guardiola was named MOTS following the victors’ remarkable season, while Phil Foden was chosen  Premier League Player of the Season.