“For many years they have done it.”
Pep Guardiola has hit back at the media for their alleged treatment of Manchester City’s spending, claiming his team is treated differently to others.
The Man City manager made the stern point in the run up to this afternoon’s community shield match between the Sky Blues and their cross-city rivals Manchester United.
Guardiola took aim mostly at Arsenal and Manchester United.
He said: “For many years they [Arsenal and Manchester United] have done it.
“Many years but it is not news, it is just when City spends money. Of course I am concerned for many years how good they are because every year they are getting better and better.”
He added: “You see Arsenal playing at the same level last season.
“[I] saw the game against Leverkusen, they are on fire. Every year they look more and more difficult. United will be back you know, they have bought players and everyone wants the crown that we have for four years.”
Many fans are critical of Manchester City ever since their Arab takeover in 2008 allowing for more funds to be spent on bringing in better players.
City have spent £2.6 billion since their take over with a net spend of £1.36 billion.
During the same period Manchester United spent £1.84 billion although have a net spend of £1.3 billion, almost the same as their noisy neighbours.
Meanwhile Arsenal have spent £1.65 billion with a net spend of £1.04 billion.
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However, many will argue that United and Arsenal’s funding has come from a place of historic success rather than external funding while City will argue that investment gives more teams the chance to challenge at the top.
Arsenal notably have been challenging City more and more in the last couple years as teams look to end The Citizens recent dominance in the Premier League, winning the last four league titles on the bounce.
Meanwhile Manchester United are already spending having already made two signings in the window this far, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro for a combined £90m.
Arsenal have only made two signings so far, Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £39m while David Raya’s loan was made permanent for £27m.
City have only signed Savinho so far in the window for a cut price £21.5m from fellow City Group football team Troyes.
