Footage has emerged showing Pep Guardiola’s half time team talk during the stunning come back against Aston Villa on the last day of the 21/22 season.
City went into the last match of the season knowing that a win will confirm their status as Premier League champions. Their closest rivals, Liverpool had to win and hope City drop points.
Villa went ahead in the 39th minute thanks to a goal by Matty Cash, the goal stunned the Etihad stadium into utter silence.
As the half time whistle sounded, City found themselves 1-0 down. In the dressing room, Guardiola gave the perfect speech to galvanise his players.
The team talk was captured as part of City’s ‘Together: Champions Again’ documentary series.
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Guardiola said: “We’re going to go for it. Okay, guys?
“It’s impossible to think about the consequences if we don’t win. It’s normal. It’s normal. But you have to be positive until the end.
“We need one goal. Then we will have the momentum and we will do it. I know you feel the pressure in the danger. It’s normal.”
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He continued: “We would not be here if we hadn’t been the best. You would not be.
“I know we are going to win it, but you have to handle in here [the mind] in a positive way.
“Find the quality, guys! You have enough. Okay? Allez.”
However, things got worse in the second half before they got better.
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Former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho made it 2-0 to Steven Gerrard’s side with just 21 minutes left.
City were staring down the barrel and needed a monumental effort if they are to win the title, and they delivered.
Ilkay Gundogan started it off with a far post header in the 76th minute.
Spanish midfielder Rodri then speared in a shot to make it 2-2.
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At this stage, Liverpool were ahead and City needed to win. Up stepped Gundogan again, who was in the right place at the right time to tap home a Kevin de Bruyne cross to make it 3-2.
The comeback was accomplished and they went on to lift their fourth title in five seasons. A stunning end to an incredible season.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Aston Villa, Liverpool
Marcus Chan