As Pep Guardiola nears a treble, readers of The Guardian are praising and worrying about City’s existing dominance.
“I became a Man City fan because my husband had a season ticket when we met in 1995. We have 3 kids and once the kids were old enough, we started going when we could. We all became subscribers 12 years ago. City’s top fans were there and supported their team against all odds. Most enthusiasts can’t believe the last 10 years and the quality of football we now see week after week.
“My kids are much older now, [in their late teens and early twenties]. We were there on Wednesday with two of our 3 children, the atmosphere just electric, the football sublime.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride as a fan, however we’re at the top right now. The falls will inevitably come, but right now I’m living the day. We have to evolve over time and it’s transparent that there is money to make of success, however, [the club] has to remain with a firm foot on the field with their unwavering fan base following them when they were in Division 2. “Joanna Sargent, 54, president and treasurer of a local youth football league in London
“I’m a long-time Manchester City fan and have had a season ticket since 2011. Obviously, City’s many successes in recent years have brought me wonderful joy. But there is a cognitive dissonance for me as a follower. There are moral upheavals in contributing financially to a mission that serves in part as the public relations wing of a reprehensible regime. It caught my attention when UEFA fees first came out against the club and I saw many Man City enthusiasts blindly protecting the club. club and its owners.
“Many other people will say that they have invested heavily in the city, and that East Manchester is much better than it was before they got involved. But I think we want to think more critically about this. As much as possible. ” We would like officials to be investing money in the club out of the goodness of their hearts, at the end of the day there is an ulterior motive, which I think many other people might not be absolutely fair. .
“I think we have an ethical duty as enthusiasts, but just as easily it’s not like we can snap our hands and suppress the emotions we have for the club. In an ideal world, I could turn my back on the club. “and avoiding passes to games, but it’s not as undeniable as that. I move on to games with my mom. We had so many special memories together. It’s a chance for me to see it and if I turn my back on the club, I kind of reflect on our amazing memories and healthy reports as well. I think we can be enthusiastic and criticize the owners and we don’t have to protect them. Michael, 27, programmer in Manchester
“Arsenal won the league this season, in my opinion. When you take into account the piles and piles of cash that Man City spent to reach the treble, and compare it to Arsenal, which is a small step back when it has 11 normal players. then Arsenal have done a lot more in the league.
As for Pep overcoming his knockout badge, yes, in the end it was a great game against Real Madrid. But a great game doesn’t make a great team. Not compared to the teams of Brian Clough, Alex Ferguson and Jürgen Klopp. There is no spark of genius, no enthusiasm, no David in opposition to Goliath. Manchester City is Goliath. Peter Wallace, 42, Sunderland fan, Folkestone
“I am a Manchester United supporter, but I will try to be as independent as possible. Without a doubt, they are a team, they deserve all their praise and they are worthy winners of each and every trophy they have won. However, it is annoying to see in the media the constant comparisons with United’s three-time winners. This is not surprising, of course, but I think there can be no comparison. As wonderful as a manager like Guardiola is, I don’t think he can just do what Alex Ferguson did at United.
Guardiola’s story as a player is that of a guy who inherits a smart club and a smart team and adds his brand of stardust. Despite all his achievements at Barça, he inherited 3 of Messi’s most important players, Iniesta and Xavi. Same at Bayern, then a team and a club on the upward curve at City. Ferguson rebuilt a club that suffered for many years, painstakingly placing the academy’s teenagers. The only young man close to being a normal City is Foden and he almost never plays. I find it shocking that despite all their vaunted youth, they can’t find much. Stephen Ramsden, 67, Manchester United fan, Broadstairs
“Abu Dhabi homeowners did not just spend cash haphazardly, they executed a business plan with precision and success. From media platforms, social media, and sports hounds, Array is like a constant smear campaign. While many accuse the club of ‘sports laundering’ and being ‘toxic’ to the sport, they cannot see past their jealousy to see what is really happening in The city has not only invested in its team, but also has invested heavily in the Manchester area, [including] a sixth form university, a recreation center and housing for the local community. The pitch is entirely due to the appointment of Pep Guardiola. He is a master in the art of soccer. Pep has created a device with a team of humble and friendly characters. There is a great sense of unity and a circle of family in Guardiola has indirectly transformed English football with many clubs looking to emulate the same model, and that can also pay off for our game around the world. Liverpool had their success, Manchester United had their success. Manchester City are in a new era, it’s their time. ” Chris Rafferty, 50, businessman in Manchester
Interviews with Clea Skopeliti and Alfie Packham