Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are not Champions League failures and described last season's performance as an "incredible achievement".
Guardiola's side have not won the competition and were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the 2020/21 final.
City get their new campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they welcome RB Leipzig to the Etihad, and Guardiola insists it is wrong to look back on the previous season as a failure.
"People can say Man City was a failure but it was an incredible achievement last season, playing really well in many of the games and losing well against a big contender," the City boss said.
"Every time I start this competition with drive. I'm incredibly happy here. Man City made a step forward last season, we improved a lot. We had 13 games and we won 11.
"We played incredibly well in Porto (in the group stage) when we drew and deserved to win. We lost the final.
"Now we start a new one and every team wants to win. We're going to try but I won't tell you which team is going to win because I don't know it."
Guardiola added he has learned to live with a perception that he needs to win the Champions League to be judged a success with City.
"I accept it. Every year is the same," he said.
"If I win the Champions League I will be happy for the club. If I'm not able to do it, I'm not able.
"After, you can judge the success of my period."
Rodri: We have no regrets
Rodri insists City have no regrets over last season's final defeat and is determined to go one better this term.
"We had a great season," the Spain midfielder said. "We were proud of what we achieved. It was the first time in our history we reached the final.
"We have no regrets. We will learn from this experience.
"The Champions League is decided by little differences. We have to build another building - a huge building - this season to achieve the Champions League."
The expectation on City to win the Champions League has grown each year but Rodri does not feel extra pressure to deliver.
He said: "We don't have to. It's a dream for all of us but it's not compulsory.
"The Champions League is such an unbelievable tournament where only one wins."
Pep on leaving City in 2023: I didn't say that
Guardiola has again denied saying he plans on leaving Manchester City when his current contract expires in 2023.
Speaking at an XP Investimentos event last month, Guardiola suggested he would need a rest after seven years in charge and revealed his next ambition is to manage a national team.
The 50-year-old Spaniard, who has won three Premier League titles since joining City in 2016, was quoted as saying in August: "After seven years on this team, I think I'm going to have a stop. I'm going to have to take a break, see what we've done.
"And in the process, I would like to coach a South American (team), European, playing a Copa America, I want to have that experience."
However, when asked about those quotes and his potential plan to leave the club at the end of next season, the City boss replied on Tuesday: "Did I say I'm going to leave next season? I didn't say that."
Luccdilmt
0
He's a failure He has spent a country GDP and failed to win a single European trophy in his five seasons @ Etihad 🌝
hahah funny United fans
sicdlnops
0
Same as Liverpool going to win the premiership eh
Hey your mama told you that
Ceobeoy
0
Ever year the media say that ManCity is going to win the UCL.. ever time they come up short and you don’t called that a failure they have the best coach in football….
Same as Liverpool going to win the premiership eh
Ceobeoy
0
A FINAL THAT YOU CAUSED CUTY BKUS OF YOUR USELESS TACTICS
You wanker learn to speak English, fuckwit!!!!!!
PopularMonster
2
He's a failure He has spent a country GDP and failed to win a single European trophy in his five seasons @ Etihad 🌝
Same with United, your club is a failure
Joeharden
2
He's a failure He has spent a country GDP and failed to win a single European trophy in his five seasons @ Etihad 🌝
Chidon_Sports
1
He's a failure He has spent a country GDP and failed to win a single European trophy in his five seasons @ Etihad 🌝
RAJANSHARMA
1
Yes everyone thinks City playing in the UCL Final is a failure
Habcilprsy
1
cmn man. someone told this baldy to shut his mouth. this guy is just some below average coach. and this year still they will not win the ucl. if city hired zidane last year. they would already won ucl for them
ManC plays the most attractive football in the world. They are head and shoulder above every team when it comes to entertainment.
Fuck1212
3
A FINAL THAT YOU CAUSED CUTY BKUS OF YOUR USELESS TACTICS
Peterdelaxy
0
cmn man. someone told this baldy to shut his mouth. this guy is just some below average coach. and this year still they will not win the ucl. if city hired zidane last year. they would already won ucl for them
I do not argue with breast feeding kids
musbdknsuz
2
probably not try to
Winerpool
6
It is not a failure for Man City but a deep failure for Pep.
jestinjose
0
cmn man. someone told this baldy to shut his mouth. this guy is just some below average coach. and this year still they will not win the ucl. if city hired zidane last year. they would already won ucl for them
we saw what happened to zidane when he met pep in the ucl😂
sicdlnops
2
You cant compare zidane and pep.....Pep is more creative than zizoh
And ZuZu is not how many time ZuZu win the UCL comepare to the world greatest coach Pep…
sicdlnops
1
Pep, it is never a failure until you give up. He who laughs the last laugh the sweetest. Messi has proved it.
[image]
Where just becuz he win Copa …. Messi is EUFA poster boy
sicdlnops
1
Ever year the media say that ManCity is going to win the UCL.. ever time they come up short and you don’t called that a failure they have the best coach in football….
Peterdelaxy
1
cmn man. someone told this baldy to shut his mouth. this guy is just some below average coach. and this year still they will not win the ucl. if city hired zidane last year. they would already won ucl for them
You cant compare zidane and pep.....Pep is more creative than zizoh
Futbol_MeSSiah_30
2
Pep, it is never a failure until you give up. He who laughs the last laugh the sweetest. Messi has proved it.
MohsinH47
2
cmn man. someone told this baldy to shut his mouth. this guy is just some below average coach. and this year still they will not win the ucl. if city hired zidane last year. they would already won ucl for them