Txiki Begiristain Opens Up on the Challenges Following Manchester City’s Historic Treble
Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s sporting director, has revealed the significant challenges he faced in the aftermath of the club’s historic 2023 Treble, describing the transfer window as “a bit awful.”
City’s unprecedented success that year saw them win their third consecutive Premier League title, secure their first-ever Champions League, and cement their status as one of Europe’s elite teams. It was also Pep Guardiola’s first European triumph at the Etihad, completing a trophy cabinet that had eluded the club for years.
However, success came at a cost. Speaking in the newly released City Studios documentary, Together: 4 in a Row, Begiristain shed light on the turmoil that followed.
“The transfer window was a bit awful – at least for me,” he admitted. “After winning the Treble, everyone was confused. The protagonists from those trophies were thinking they should get more or new contracts and take the opportunities, and the ones who didn’t play in finals were p* off and trying to get out from the club.”
City saw significant departures that summer, including key players Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan, and promising academy graduate Cole Palmer. To retain Kyle Walker, who was on the brink of joining Bayern Munich, the club had to bend its strict contract policy.
While City managed to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title the following season, they fell short in other competitions. Questions remain about the impact of their 2023 signings, and the team’s ability to sustain their dominance post-Treble.
Despite these challenges, Begiristain’s insights underscore the immense pressures that come with sustaining success at the highest level. The documentary offers fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles of a club striving to stay at the pinnacle of world football.
