Manchester City have maintained an impressive form in Europe, with Guardiola’s side currently boasting an 80% win rate in the Champions League this season.
However, Guardiola believes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Liverpool remain formidable challenges capable of undermining City’s title hopes.
“Real Madrid are always there,” Guardiola remarked, highlighting the Spanish club’s record 14 Champions League titles, including their recent win in 2022.
Bayern Munich, Guardiola’s former club, boasts a staggering 92% home win rate in European matches over the past five seasons, making them particularly intimidating.
“Bayern have incredible consistency; they rarely falter,” Guardiola admitted, underlining the Bavarians’ scoring prowess with 15 goals already netted in their current European campaign.
Anyone running the “Pep Out” or “Fraudiola” agendas:
1. Go find a manager who could match this in ONE season
2. And when you can’t, jog on and find another club to “support” #MCFC pic.twitter.com/7INnMf6k7k
— aty (@atymcfc) March 13, 2025
Barcelona, despite recent struggles, remain dangerous according to Guardiola, particularly after their €160 million summer spending spree aimed at Champions League glory.
The Catalan club has also scored an average of 2.8 goals per game this season, proving their attacking potency remains undiminished.
Closer to home, Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta has caught Guardiola’s attention; the Gunners have won 10 of their last 12 matches across all competitions, indicating growing stability.
“Arsenal have reached a new level,” Guardiola acknowledged, highlighting Arteta’s transformative impact, which has lifted the team’s win percentage to 75% this term.
Liverpool, historically one of City’s fiercest rivals under Jurgen Klopp, are still seen as a considerable threat despite their inconsistent domestic performances.
Liverpool’s 3-0 win against a formidable Napoli side recently reaffirmed their capabilities in high-stakes matches.
“Liverpool remain incredibly dangerous in knockout football,” Guardiola warned, noting their ability to deliver unexpected performances under pressure.
Manchester City’s goal difference of +20 in Europe this season is unmatched, but Guardiola is keenly aware statistics alone won’t secure a consecutive Champions League title.
He concluded his assessment bluntly: “We know the clubs we must fear, but our job is to beat them.”
City’s next Champions League fixture sees them face a stern test, ensuring Guardiola’s concerns will be immediately put to the test.
