Pep Guardiola has been named the 2023-24 Premier League Manager of the Season after another historic campaign in charge of Manchester City.
The Citizens became the first team in English top-flight history to win four consecutive titles after beating West Ham United 3-1 on the final day of the season to finish two points clear of their nearest challengers Arsenal in second.
Man City won each of their last nine games of the season and accumulated a total of 91 points, surpassing the 90-point mark for the fourth time under the tutelage of Guardiola - more than any other club in the Premier League era.
The 53-year-old has now guided Man City to a remarkable six titles in the last seven seasons, the joint-second most won by a manager in English history along with Bob Paisley and George Ramsey.
In addition, Guardiola has now won the Manager of the Season award in five of the eight campaigns he has been in charge of Man City, having previously claimed the award in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21 and 2022-23 - only Sir Alex Ferguson (11) has received the accolade on more occasions.
Introducing your 2023/24 @BarclaysFooty Manager of the Season...
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 21, 2024
👏 Pep Guardiola 👏#PLAwards | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/HM6kPzb8Eg
Guardiola plans to "defend" MOTS award in 2024-25
Guardiola has said that he "will defend" his MOTS award in 2024-25 - which could potentially be his last as City manager based on his post-match comments last weekend - although he is keen to share this season's success with fellow nominees Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Unai Emery of Aston Villa and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth.
"I want to share it, yes, oh yes! Especially with Mikel [Arteta] for the incredible job he has done until the last game, bringing us to our limits," Guardiola told the Premier League's official website.
"Of course, for Jurgen [Klopp], for the unforgettable battles for many, many years. And Unai Emery, making something unbelievable again to bring Aston Villa to the [UEFA] Champions League.
"And Andoni Iraola, with Bournemouth, being his first season in the Premier League, doing what he has done, coming back from the tough start of the season.
"It is an honour to be alongside all of them and to win this trophy. We will defend this award as best as possible in the future."
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Guardiola 'honoured' to receive latest accolade
Speaking to mancity.com after receiving his award, Guardiola said: "It's an honour to have been chosen by the Premier League as the Manager of the Season. This award reflects the hard work and excellence of the people at the club in all departments.
"I am so proud to be manager of this group of players and to work alongside the brilliant coaches and support staff every day.
"Winning four titles in a row is one of the proudest achievements of my career. This is the toughest league in the world and our competitors have played some incredible football.
"When I arrived in England, I would never have thought that together we could win six Premier Leagues in seven years.
"We have done something unbelievable and to celebrate that with our fans last Sunday was a day I will always remember."
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Man City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: "Everyone at City is delighted for Pep and this latest recognition of his achievements.
"As Pep is always quick to point out, our history making success is a team effort and would not be possible without the tireless work of our players, coaches and backroom staff.
"However, Pep's inspirational leadership and drive to succeed has made us a beautiful team to watch and seen us once again come out on top in the toughest league in the world.
"He has taken the club to the summit of the game and everyone connected with Manchester City should be very proud that he represents us."
Since taking the reins at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, Guardiola has now won a total of 17 trophies as Man City manager and could soon add an 18th to his bulging cabinet if he successfully steers the Citizens to FA Cup glory against rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
Guardiola receives his MOTS award just a few days after Phil Foden was named the Premier League Player of the Season following a standout campaign for the champions.
Oliver Thomas
