Pep Guardiola says he has realised a life-long ambition by becoming Manchester City’s manager after admitting he “dreamt” of playing for the club.
City staged a fan event over the weekend to celebrate Guardiola’s appointment, which coincided with the launch of their new badge and kit, and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was finally unveiled in front of several thousand supporters on Sunday.
“Thank you for coming here, of course in your house… it’s my new house,” he began.
“I’m so glad to be here. Thank you to Manchester City for giving me this opportunity. I am pretty sure we are going to enjoy [ourselves].
“I proved myself in Catalonia and in Germany now I want to make Manchester City people proud of how we play.
“I know the players, their quality but the past is the past. They have to show me. The fans don't come here to remember what we did in the past.
“As soon as possible we will create a team spirit. After that we will think about tactics. I want to create something special.
“I have to know my players. Hug them, kick their backsides!
“One of my dreams was to play here as a footballer. It was not possible. Now my dream has come true.
“People don't come to the stadium to see how good the managers are.”
One audacious member of the crowd shouted to Guardiola whether Lionel Messi would be joining City, to which he replied: “I’m sorry, Messi has to stay at Barca for the rest of his career.”
Image courtesy @ManCity via Twitter
