Man City Chairman Reflects on Challenging Season, Eyes Strong Comeback

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has expressed confidence in the club’s ability to bounce back from a testing 2024-25 season, highlighting lessons learned, a targeted transfer strategy, and continued faith in manager Pep Guardiola.

In his annual end-of-season interview, released via the club’s official media channel, Al-Mubarak acknowledged the ups and downs of the campaign, calling on players and fans alike to focus on the future.

“This season is now behind us,” he said. “We will take all the good things and the not-so-good things, learn from them, improve, and get better. I can assure you, this club will do everything possible to come back to the standards we know we can achieve.”

Despite a disappointing end to the season, Al-Mubarak said the team remains highly motivated. “All the players I saw after the Fulham game are excited about coming back. They’re hungry. That’s why I’m optimistic—we’ll come back strong and positive.”

Al-Mubarak also outlined the club’s transfer strategy heading into the summer, revealing that recruitment plans are already in place with clearly defined targets. “We know exactly the positions and players we’re going for,” he said. “We’ll act clearly and swiftly. The goal is to have the squad ready in time for the Club World Cup.”

Paying tribute to Kevin De Bruyne, Al-Mubarak described the Belgian midfielder as the greatest player in the club’s history. “His accomplishments speak for themselves,” he said, listing Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the Champions League among De Bruyne’s accolades. “He’s been a captain, a leader, a teammate—everything you would want from your most important player.”

Reflecting on the club’s decision to sign De Bruyne from Wolfsburg in 2015, Al-Mubarak added, “It was one of the best decisions we ever made. At the time, some thought we overpaid. But history has proven otherwise.”

The chairman also reaffirmed his deep trust in manager Pep Guardiola. “The most important word we have with Pep is trust—and it goes both ways,” he said. “That trust has carried us through good times and bad. It’s the foundation of our success.”

With preparations underway for the upcoming campaign and the Club World Cup on the horizon, Al-Mubarak’s message was clear: Manchester City is ready to regroup and return stronger.