Man City boss Pep Guardiola: I don’t understand why the club doesn’t spend more money

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola mocked Manchester City’s critics Tuesday, saying he was unhappy with the club’s spending despite spending $115 million on signings during the January transfer window.

City were the biggest spenders in the mid-season window for the second year running following the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. He has spent more than $500 million in the past 12 months and has dominated English football with his exorbitant transfer deals since being bought by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family in 2008.

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This led to criticism of his spending power, but manager Guardiola pointed out that six of City’s Premier League rivals had had higher net spends in recent years and put pressure on them to emulate his team’s success.

“I’m a bit sad and upset because, in net terms for the last five years, we’re seventh in the Premier League,” he joked. “I want to be the first, I don’t understand why the club doesn’t spend more money. I’m a bit grumpy with them.

“But, as we have won in the past because we spent a lot, now six teams must win the Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and FA Cups because they have spent more in the last five years.”

According to figures from statistics site Transfermarkt, City’s net spending over the past five years was $543 million.

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Manchester United tops the list with $925 million, followed by Arsenal ($908 million), Chelsea ($892 million), Tottenham ($786 million), Newcastle ($581 million) and Liverpool ($575 million).

Since the 2021-22 season, City have won three league titles, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup. This period included the treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2023.

Liverpool have won three trophies during this period, including the title last year. Man United have won two domestic cups, while Tottenham won the Europa League and Newcastle won the English League Cup last season. Arsenal have not won any trophies, but lead the Premier League this season.

“Good luck to the six teams ahead of us in net spend over the last five years. Let’s go. I’m waiting,” said Guardiola, who has won 15 major trophies since joining in 2016.

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City are still in contention for a trophy sweep this season and Guardiola was speaking ahead of the League Cup semi-final second leg against title holders Newcastle on Wednesday.

His team leads 2-0 after the first leg and can win the trophy for the fifth time under Guardiola.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer