Guardiola feels the need to prove himself after his most difficult season

Guardiola's Manchester City side have fallen well short of expectations this season.

Hampered by a long-term injury to Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, City went on a dismal run of just one win in 13 games across all competitions prior to Christmas.

With that run having all but ended their hopes of winning a fifth straight Premier League title, City then failed to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, losing a play-off to Real Madrid.

City are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League, though, while they are into the FA Cup final - should they lose to Crystal Palace at Wembley next week, however, then it will mark the first time since Guardiola's first season in charge, in 2016-17, that they have not won at least one major trophy (not including the Community Shield).

Guardiola's City are on course to register a points per game average under 2.0 for the first time, while their tally of nine top-flight league defeats this term is their joint-worst total since he took over, alongside 2019-20.

"It's been the most difficult [season], that's for sure," said Guardiola.

"It's been more demanding. Much more. When you don't win, it's more demanding emotionally.

A late winner against Southampton back in 2017 pic.twitter.com/ZzahzXSW7W

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 9, 2025

"It's been more difficult. It's been more difficult than the previous seasons we played for the titles.

"Every time we have to prove ourselves. When I listened to the players who said what I've done in my career, I don't have anything to prove. [They are] completely wrong.

"I had to prove myself again and again, and I'm disappointed in myself when it's not going well. When I retire, I will review my career. But right now, [the] next game I have to prove myself. So life doesn't live from memories."

City face already-relegated Southampton on Saturday.