Guardiola: City's league title win puts them on a par with United Ferguson
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his team can match the greatness of the Manchester United squad under legendary Alex Ferguson if they clinch the English Premier League title for the fourth time in five seasons by defeating Aston Villa today.
Ferguson's United achieved the feat three times, establishing themselves as the dominant force in English football during the Scottish coach's 26-year tenure.
"Of course it would be great (winning four titles in five seasons)," Guardiola told reporters ahead of the Aston Villa game. "When I arrived people here were saying that the Premier League is really difficult, the toughest league."
"United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was the only one who managed to win four trophies in five years. When that happens, you realize the size of United at that time and how (Ferguson) managed to do it so many times. We are about to be Part of that is and we have to try to seize the opportunity."
City must win at home on the last day to win the title, beating Liverpool, who are one point behind and playing at the same time against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Part of Guardiola's focus is already on next season, with City bringing in striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this month to bolster their squad.
The 21-year-old Norwegian, who scored 29 goals with Dortmund last season, is considered one of the most distinguished talents in Europe, but Guardiola warned against widespread expectations that the young player would provide an immediate return.
"It is especially important to know his ability to adapt to a new country he is going to, a new home and new friendships... He has to adapt to all these things. (But) I'm sure he will cope well," he said.
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