GUARD KNOCK LIFE

Pep reveals campaign this has been toughest in near 20-year career as a boss

- DAVID MCDONNELL

PEP Guardiola has admitted this season at Manchester City has been the most difficult for him over two decades as a manager.

City failed to mount a title challenge this term, having won a record four successive Premier League titles, and did not even make the Champions League last 16.

Although City have reached the FA Cup final and are up to third in the table, closer to securing a Champions League spot, Guardiola said this has been his most demanding season.

Against a backdrop of injuries to key players, City imploded and went on a disastrous run of one win in 13 games in all competitions between October 30 and December 26.

City fell away in the title race, lost out to Real Madrid in a play-off to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League, amid suggestions Guardiola and his wife had separated.