Manchester City concluded the 2024-25 season with mixed emotions, having faced significant challenges due to injuries and a demanding fixture schedule. Despite a promising start, the team experienced a difficult three-month period that saw them fall behind in the Premier League and exit both the Carabao Cup and Champions League. However, Pep Guardiola’s squad managed to rally and secure a third-place finish in the league, ensuring their place in the next season’s Champions League. The season ended on a disappointing note with a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, leaving City without a trophy. Nevertheless, the team remains optimistic and eager to build on their experiences.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “All the players, they’re excited. Nobody feels good about how we finished the season. Normally these players are off and they’re starting to think about vacation time etc. I was speaking to Rodri as an example, he’s looking for games. Erling didn’t want to go on vacation. He wanted to stay with the physios and prepare for next season. That’s the attitude you want and that’s exactly why you see me so positive.”
Al Mubarak continued: “What we are focusing on is the future, always. History is great and it’s lovely and we celebrate it, and we enjoy it. But then the page flips and there’s a new page to write, and the future is about what we can do together. How many more leagues we can keep winning, how many more Champions Leagues we can go on and win.”
The mindset of the Manchester City squad, as revealed by Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, highlights a strong desire to overcome the setbacks of the past season. Players like Rodri and Erling Haaland have shown a commitment to staying fit and ready for the challenges ahead, foregoing vacations to focus on preparation. This determination is echoed by manager Pep Guardiola, who has previously expressed concerns about the congested fixture list and its impact on player welfare. As City gear up for the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season, set to commence in mid-August, they remain focused on future successes and the pursuit of more titles.
The club’s ambitions are further underscored by their plans for the Club World Cup, where reaching the final would mean an additional seven matches, culminating in the showpiece event on July 13. As City look to the future, they are also set to unveil a new kit design featuring a white sash, a modern twist on a classic look, as part of their partnership with Puma.
