‘Grumpy’ Guardiola jokes about Man City’s lack of spending

FootballSports
4 Feb 2026 • 12:41 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Pep Guardiola defended Manchester City against claims their success is solely due to financial spending, employing sarcasm and statistical data.
  • He pointed out that six rival clubs have outspent Manchester City in net spend over the past five years.
  • Guardiola challenged these clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, to achieve similar levels of success given their greater expenditure.
  • According to Transfermarkt figures, City's net spend of £396m over the last five years places them seventh in the Premier League.
  • The manager made these comments ahead of City's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, where they hold a 2-0 aggregate lead.

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