Pep Guardiola has named Leicester among the teams he expected to challenge Manchester City next season.
Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions in the worst possible way when Manchester United were beaten by Leicester on Tuesday.
Guardiola referred to his third title in England as his “hardest” yet in the circumstances but the Spaniard is under no illusions as to the obstacles ahead.
He feels Manchester United will push them closer again, as well as a Liverpool side without injuries.
Guardiola named Chelsea and Arsenal, too, imploring the Gunners to “trust in Mikel”.
But instead of rounding out the Big Six by citing Tottenham, he instead said Leicester would be there again next campaign.
“This title is important but in the big picture over the last ten years Manchester City have won five, they have won four of the last eight and three of the last four. That is incredible, more important than winning this title,” he said.
“I don’t know how many years we have been in the Champions League every season and winning five in this country in ten years is massive.
No fans, no history, no credit – City jibes are nonsense
“It means a lot of managers, players, sporting directors – many people working in this club to achieve what we’ve achieved. I think what we are most proud of is that we sustain the success and the work ethic and many things for a long time.
“I never expected to win three in the last four years to be honest because I know how everything changes in this country but always we were there. Last season we couldn’t compete with Liverpool because they were unstoppable but we were second, we were there.
“Every season we are close to the top and the target next season again will be to be close up there. I have the feeling that every season is more difficult, the opponents are stronger and the managers stronger.
“Every year United are strong, Liverpool will be back like in previous seasons – they’ve been unlucky because they’ve had many injuries in the same position – Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal will make a step forward next season if they trust in Mikel. There are many clubs.
“Look at how good West Ham have played this season. Unfortunately they are not winning the last games because they are without Rice who is so important for them and Antonio is injured too but there are many clubs – that’s why it’s a massive achievement this season due to the massive contenders that we had. A lot of effort and from the 19th of December until the 7th of March we won all the games and achieved what we have done.”
The post Guardiola omits Big Six team from expected 21/22 challengers appeared first on Football365.