This prestigious honour was previously bestowed upon legendary ex-Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999 when his Manchester United side achieved the same feat.
Man City’s historic treble
The decision to grant Guardiola the Freedom of the City was made by council bosses who had promised to do so if City replicated the Treble triumph.
Demonstrating their commitment, the council is now awaiting Guardiola’s acceptance of this honour.
Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig expressed her thoughts on the significance of the Freedom of the City, stating that it is a great honour reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to city life and its reputation.
Drawing a parallel with Sir Alex Ferguson’s recognition, Craig emphasised the council’s commitment to fulfilling their promise of awarding the same honour to Guardiola and Manchester City.
Discussions have been taking place privately among council members to ensure that the necessary protocols are followed.
Further announcements regarding the date of a special meeting will be made once Guardiola’s acceptance is confirmed.
It is important to note that this recognition transcends party politics and serves as a means to acknowledge Pep and his team’s outstanding achievements on and off the pitch, making a lasting impact on the city of Manchester.
Liberal Democrat Chris Northwood
Chris Northwood, a Manchester United fan and representative of the Liberal Democrats, expressed his appreciation for the city’s football heritage.
Regardless of club allegiances, the immense success of Manchester City has solidified the city’s status as a football powerhouse.
With both Manchester clubs having achieved the Treble, Northwood emphasised the importance of unity among all parties involved in supporting the decision to award the Freedom of the City to Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola’s managerial career has been filled with remarkable success and accolades.
Before joining Manchester City in 2016, he enjoyed tremendous achievements at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. At Barcelona, he won numerous domestic and international titles, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
His distinctive style of play, known as tiki-taka, revolutionised modern football.
Upon joining Manchester City, Guardiola quickly made his mark.
In his first season, he guided the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured the Carabao Cup.
Man City’s 100 point season
The following season witnessed an extraordinary campaign as Manchester City broke multiple records en route to winning the Premier League title with a record-breaking 100 points.
Guardiola’s team showcased their dominance and attacking prowess, thrilling fans with their attractive style of play.
The subsequent seasons saw Guardiola’s Manchester City continue their success, clinching consecutive Premier League titles in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 campaigns.
They also secured several other domestic honours, including the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Guardiola’s meticulous attention to detail, tactical acumen, and ability to extract the best out of his players have been pivotal in Manchester City’s rise to the pinnacle of English football.
Under Guardiola’s guidance, Manchester City has become renowned for its possession-based style of play, high pressing, and relentless attacking intent.
The team’s ability to dominate matches and break defensive lines with intricate passing and movement has been awe-inspiring. Guardiola’s emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and technical excellence has fostered a culture of success at Manchester City, leading to a sustained period of dominance in English football.
As Pep Guardiola prepares to accept the Freedom of the City, it serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements as a manager and his significant contributions to Manchester City’s success.
Congratulations, Pep!