Gvardiol started working with Guardiola in August 2023 and in that time the colossal Croatian has won four major trophies as well as establishing himself as one of the classiest defenders in world football.
He has seen first-hand the forensic way the manager prepares for each and every game and he admits he’s started taking a more analytical approach to upcoming matches himself.
“He lives for the sport, and he lives 24 hours thinking about all that’s happening here at the training ground,” said the 23-year-old of the manager.
“Also sometimes when I’m at home I think ‘what can I do better, what can I do to get ready for tomorrow?’
“When I go to sleep sometimes, I think about the scenarios in my head and I’m really grateful I can work with him.
“The energy he has and the way he approaches every meeting and how he gives us the maximum of his time to explain some things to us – that’s fascinating to me.
“And not only in meetings, but also on the field itself.
“I think also in the last two and a half years, he’s helped me a lot and I have improved a lot as well.”
Gvardiol enjoyed Premier League success in his first season at City, as we won a record-breaking fourth title in a row, something never achieved before, on top of triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Cup.
It was a more testing time in his second campaign but the Blues came good to earn third place in the Premier League and entry into the Champions League for a 15th successive season, with Gvardiol himself earning our Etihad Player of the Year award.
City are flying high again this term, placed second and on the coattails of leaders Arsenal heading into the New Year.
Our next assignment – and first of 2026 - is Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a venue the Black Cats have yet to lose at this term.
It’s one Gvardiol is relishing.
“I’m looking forward to the game,” he added.
“We know it’s not going to be easy – I’ve seen so many games of them playing at home and how good they are.
“It’s a big challenge but we need to be ready.
“They’ve surprised me a lot – they’ve been doing really well; you could feel the energy they have when we played them and how they fight.
“They’re a dangerous team and we need to be at a high level for 90 minutes.
“We need to analyse them again – it’s going to be a great game, an interesting game to watch and a mind game playing it.”
City v Brighton tickets on general sale
We welcome an entertaining Brighton side to the Etihad at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 7 January.
And with tickets now on general sale, you could be there to see it!
Fans can now claim three tickets each, with adults from £30 and concessions as low as £15.
Or make it a night to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £180 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.
