During the mid-season transfer window, Manchester City acquired Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, raising their total spending in the last 12 months to approximately USD 572 million. However, Guardiola emphasized that, in the long term, Manchester City is not the team that spends the most in the Premier League.

According to Sky Sports, since January 2021, Manchester City has spent about USD 1.22 billion on new signings but also generated USD 904 million from player sales. The club's net expenditure is approximately USD 314 million, ranking only ninth among Premier League teams during the same period. Manchester United topped this list with a net spend of approximately USD 1.01 billion, followed by: Chelsea (USD 955 million), Arsenal (USD 863 million), Tottenham (USD 655 million), Newcastle (USD 559 million), Liverpool (USD 528 million), West Ham (USD 498 million), and Nottingham Forest (USD 493 million).

Coach Pep Guardiola instructs Marc Guehi during Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Wolves in the 23rd round of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 24/1. Photo: Sportsphoto

Coach Pep Guardiola instructs Marc Guehi during Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Wolves in the 23rd round of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 24/1. Photo: Sportsphoto

"I'm a bit sad and annoyed because in the past five years, we are only ninth in net spend. I want to be top of this table," Guardiola stated during a press conference ahead of the League Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle. "But if six or seven teams have spent more than us in five years, then they should be winning the Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup. That's a fact, not a personal opinion."

Guardiola noted that Manchester City once faced extensive criticism for heavy spending to secure titles, but the current landscape has shifted. He stressed, "We used to win because we spent a lot of money. Now, the teams that spend more must prove it with titles."

Beyond financial discussions, Guardiola also addressed Manchester City's development process. In their match against Tottenham in the 24th round of the Premier League last weekend, Manchester City – with a starting lineup averaging about 25 years of age – led 2-0 in the first half but conceded two goals, resulting in a 2-2 draw. "Perhaps this is our youngest squad in 10 years, and we must accept such lessons to mature," Guardiola commented.

Putting the disappointing Premier League result behind them, Guardiola wants Manchester City to swiftly shift focus to the League Cup. Today, Manchester City hosts Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium in the semi-final second leg, holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg. "These are different competitions," Guardiola said. "Results can help, but confidence comes from every small action, every moment on the field, even when facing difficult situations."

If Manchester City overcomes Newcastle, Guardiola will lead them to the League Cup final for the fifth time in 10 years. Nevertheless, he remains cautious: "Newcastle is a proud team, currently playing in the Champions League. We must be ready, recover well after the Tottenham match, and play our football in front of our fans to aim for Wembley in March."

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Sky Sports)