Pep Guardiola admits that his Manchester City reign will be defined by success in the Champions League regardless of how many times his side win the Premier League.
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City face Bundesliga high-fliers Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday looking to progress to the quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive season.
Guardiola’s men were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg but will be looking to progress in front of their own fans at the Etihad Stadium.
For Guardiola, the quest to end City’s wait to win Europe’s elite club competition for the first time is a source of both frustration and inspiration.
The 52-year-old has lifted the Premier League four times, as well as winning four League Cups and one FA Cup during his seven successful years in Manchester.
But for all the domestic glory with City, the Champions League remains the holy grail.
Guardiola won the Champions League twice as Barcelona boss, in 2009 and 2011, but failed to repeat that success in three years with Bayern Munich.
City lost to Chelsea in the 2021 final but have also suffered multiple exits from the knockout stages, with last season’s collapse against Real Madrid in the semi-finals a bitter blow.
Asked if his time at City will be judged solely on European achievements, Guardiola told reporters: “Yes. It doesn’t mean I agree but it will certainly be judged by this competition.
However, he believes City’s gradual progression from outsiders to members of Europe’s elite led by him deserves respect.
“From the day I arrived, sitting here for the first time, they (the media) asked me ‘Are you here to win the Champions League?'” he said.
“I said ‘What? If you were the manager of Real Madrid, maybe I would accept.’ But I accept it here. It won’t change.”
– ‘Try again’ –
City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne insists the Guardiola era should still be considered a success despite failing to lift the Champions League title.
“Every year we are close, quarter, semi, final. We just haven’t done the last one. We will try again,” he said.
“If you care about that noise, it’s going to bother you. I know we haven’t won, but we’ve done well.
“I know people only judge when you win, but there are a lot of situations.”
With City five points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League, the Champions League is even more important for Guardiola’s side this season.
For City to win the Premier League or the Champions League, they need Erling Haaland to be at his best.
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Haaland scored the winner from the penalty spot at Crystal Palace on Saturday to take his tally to 34 goals in all competitions this season.
There are still critics of Haaland’s lack of involvement in City’s build-up and Guardiola believes the Norwegian striker can improve his side of the game.
“I don’t like one player just being in the box to score goals. Of course it’s important, it’s the main thing, but it’s not all we need,” said Guardiola.
“When we are away from the opponent’s box, he cannot score. We need him to be involved and active.
“He’s getting better, but he can do better.”