Manchester City bounced back from a Champions League loss to Real Madrid last year to upset Aston Villa on the last day and win the Premier League.
(Manchester City, in picture)
The shock that followed Manchester City's baffling loss in the Champions League semifinal to Real Madrid may have ended their prospects of winning the Premier League.
With four games remaining and a lead over Liverpool, City still had the league crown in their grasp, but they needed to put the Madrid disappointment behind them in order to complete the task and claim the championship. The Blues knew what mentality they had to adopt from the minute Pep Guardiola spoke to his players before the following league match against Newcastle, and they were able to capture the title in thrilling fashion.
The team conversations that led to the team's three victories and one tie to win the title are revealed in the last episode of City's behind-the-scenes documentary tracking the group last season, along with a farewell message from captain Fernandinho.
Newcastle (home)
Days after the loss to Madrid, City played Newcastle again. Guardiola had a straightforward message for his players before that game at the Etihad, but not before Aleks Zinchenko assumed responsibility for the pregame team talk.
Forget what happened in the past, he commanded. This is over and gone. Forget. Simply gaze into each other's eyes, give your everything, and die on the field. Everyone is aware of their responsibilities on the field. We fight for a significant and amazing cause. We have to be prepared to go down in history. both of you. There, after traveling there, we f——— die. Let's leave.
(Manchester City, in picture)
At the half, with City leading 2-0, Guardiola wanted to maintain the momentum and instill some confidence in his team. The strategy was successful, as City went on to win 5-0. "You know you are playing so that everyone can give their best effort, and you have to keep doing it," he remarked. It serves the three purposes. Be sensible. They are three above us. We must score goals, we must score goals, is the other argument.
Wolves (away)
The following match came against Wolves, where Kevin De Bruyne displayed his elite abilities with a fantastic performance that included four goals in a 5-1 victory. With two games left, Guardiola made sure his team didn't become complacent at the end of the game.
"Now that it has been completed, we will begin to listen around the world. And it isn't finished," he added. "Clear? It's not finished. You're aware of that? It's not finished. In West Ham, we have a really challenging game. Recover, then think on what you've accomplished since Madrid. You're serious, so pay attention to what needs to be done and give it your all the next Sunday in London. It's not finished.Enter the press conference, where people will be speaking. Or perhaps we require four points.
West Ham (away)
Guardiola has good reason to be concerned about West Ham because City found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. He urged his players to rally, saying, "You don't have anything to regret yourselves. You're playing excellently. 90 minutes have passed, leaving 45. Guys, pay attention to this 45 minutes. A goal from us will make it possible, and a draw is a successful outcome for us.
City scored twice and even missed a penalty to secure a crucial point, which Guardiola used to inspire his team more at the end of the game.
He stated: "What an honor it is to have these men ahead of us. What an honor it is for us to perform in front of our supporters [on the last day]. For 90 or 95 minutes, they will give you their entire lives. And for 95 minutes, you will sacrifice all for them. Once again, you guys were wonderful. Enjoy your lives and arrive at training on time, focused, focused on every action to get there and give your lives for 95 minutes. You'll learn it.
"It will happen as a result of the way we work as a team, folks. We are machines today, just like a machine without a ball, and vice versa. However, regardless of what occurs,We keep going and going and going and going. 95, 96, 97 minutes have passed. We keep moving forward. We will carry it out."
The final message from Fernandinho
In preparation for his final match for the club, outgoing captain Fernandinho took the entire City squad and coaching staff out to dinner between the trip to see West Ham and the Aston Villa game.
He said this when addressing the team and players: "A few of you have been here ever since I arrived. And as you are aware, I came here with the goal of winning games and championships. Today is my way of saying "thank you" and in a way, "goodbye," and I'm very happy and grateful for all of you.
"Now that my father is nearing 70, I can go home. Now that I've won, I can return to Brazil and claim victory. You should be pleased with me in a distant location because I followed your instructions exactly. That is why I can return home with a clear conscience after nine years in the UK and 17 years in Europe. absolutely clear Just a little note of gratitude for everything. This concludes my speech for the day. Take advantage of the time and prepare for Sunday.
Stoke City (home)
Then came the championship game, and the documentary displayed the players' encouraging cries as they warmed up in the locker room. "Different class,Just execute that. Let's go." These are the games, Kyle Walker yelled.
"We go out there and we go full from the first minutes, boys," Fernandinho said during his final City team speech. After much talking, it's time to play, and this time, we play with our minds. If we engage in mental play, Enjoy the game by going out there. It's time to be champions guys, play as a champion. Because you are champs, f—- you. Men, let's go.
City, though, played poorly in the first half and fell behind 1-0. Guardiola gave his team instructions on how to approach the second half, advising them to never lose hope and to build on the energy of a first goal to score a second (or third) and regain the lead.
We're going to try it, he said. Okay, men? If we lose, it is impossible to consider the repercussions. It's typical. It's typical. But you have to stay upbeat all the way through. We must have a single objective. The momentum will then be there, and we will move forward. We made a ridiculous transition before the goal; as a result, we are more likely to lose than win. You undoubtedly sense the pressure and risk.It's typical.
"If we hadn't been the best, we wouldn't be here. No, you wouldn't. I am confident that we will prevail, but you need to have an optimistic attitude while inside [the mind]. The difficulty is present. Put it there, and Alex, be aggressive. Quickly turn around and step out. Put balls there if you can. Find the best, men! You've got plenty. OK? Allez."
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