Pep Guardiola describes Manchester City’s Treble as a destiny fulfilled following their Champions League victory.
In the 68th minute of the game against Inter Milan, Rodri scored the sole goal.
After securing the Treble in Istanbul with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, expressed that their triumph in the Champions League was preordained. This title adds to the Premier League and FA Cup trophies they had already claimed earlier in the season.
“I’m tired, calm, and satisfied. Winning is incredibly difficult,” said Guardiola, who had previously achieved the Treble with Barcelona. “It was destined to happen. It belongs to us.”
Rodri, the midfielder, delivered the decisive strike in the 68th minute, marking only his second Champions League goal in 48 appearances. This goal proved enough to overcome Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
“It’s a deeply emotional moment. A dream come true. All the guys here have waited for this for so many years,” Rodri shared with BT Sport. “They deserve it, we deserve it. We came so close in previous years. I want to thank everyone. It wasn’t easy. We faced an incredible team, their defensive strength and counter-attacks were remarkable.”
“We gave everything. Finals are like this. You can’t expect to always perform at your best. Emotions and nerves are involved. We competed like warriors. It’s a dream. This moment will never be repeated.”
This was Manchester City’s second appearance in the Champions League final in three seasons, having previously lost to Chelsea in 2021. They become only the second English men’s team to accomplish the Treble, following the footsteps of their city rivals, Manchester United, who achieved this feat in 1999.
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‘Guardiola is the best coach in the world.’
Erling Haaland, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last summer, made a significant impact, scoring 12 goals in this season’s Champions League—equalling the record for the most goals in a single campaign by an English club, previously held by Ruud van Nistelrooy for Manchester United in 2002-03.
“In my wildest dreams, I never thought this could happen,” Haaland expressed to BT Sport. “It demonstrates that it’s possible for a person from a small hometown in Norway. It gives hope to young people in my hometown. It’s unbelievable.”
“After a few days when this settles down and the feeling of winning this trophy sinks in, I will want to do it again for sure. I know myself, and that’s how I think,” Haaland added. “We have to defend what we have achieved this season. That’s how it works. In a month, everything will be forgotten, and we have to start afresh.”
Haaland praised the special experience of working with Guardiola, who had previously won two Champions League trophies with Barcelona before guiding Manchester City to their first. “We have a great relationship, and I look forward to developing further next season,” Haaland said. “Being trained by him every single day, the best coach in the world, is an ideal situation.”
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne received consolation from Haaland when he was forced to leave the field in the first half due to a hamstring injury, reminiscent of his truncated appearance in the European final defeat against Chelsea two years ago.
“It has been a tough two months,” Haaland explained. “I had several issues with my hamstring, and it eventually snapped.”
“However, the team was strong enough, and we emerged victorious. We have worked so hard for this, and it’s amazing.”
‘My dream is in your hands’
Kyle Walker, the English defender, was notably absent from the starting lineup—a significant decision made by Guardiola before the match. Walker had started City’s previous seven matches, including the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United and both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
“I’m always disappointed when I don’t play, but I’m 33. My example is crucial for the younger lads,” Walker shared with BT Sport. “I delivered a speech before they took the field. I said, ‘My dream is in your hands, no pressure.’ This club means so much to me. To experience what I have experienced, I am forever grateful.”
“I’m over the moon. I’m rarely speechless. My dream has come true, achieving this with this club. Winning the Treble is unbelievable.”
“With my mom and dad in the stands, this means a lot. It hasn’t been easy, especially coming from Sheffield. I remember when my mom didn’t even have a pound for the ice cream van. To share this moment with them, I’m incredibly thankful.”
Jack Grealish, the England international who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for a British record £100 million in 2021, was in tears at the final whistle.
“This is what you work your entire life for. I’m so happy. I had a poor performance [in the final], but it doesn’t matter. Winning the Treble with this group of players is incredibly special,” Grealish expressed to BT Sport.
“Everyone who knows me understands how much I love football, and this is what I have strived for my whole life. Seeing my family in the crowd makes me extremely emotional.”
“I just told the manager, ‘I want to thank you.’ He has placed so much faith in me. He is a genius.”
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1 comment
Pep Guardiola is a legend! He said Man City’s Treble win was “written in the stars.” I totally agree. Winning the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup all in one season is amazin! Rodri’s goal was sooo importnt, he’s a champ! Manchester City rockss! #TrebleTriumph