Manchester City captain Kyle Walker says the Premier League is “ours to lose” as his side look to win an unprecedented fifth title in a row.
City were the first club to win four consecutive English championships last season and begin their defense on Sunday when they travel to Chelsea.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday night clubEngland full-back Walker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s ego, but we’ve done it four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose.
“I can guarantee that when you look at your arm and you have that gold badge that no one else has, it’s a good feeling. Long may it continue.”
Meanwhile, reflecting on England’s Euro 2024 campaign in the latest episode of You will never beat Kyle Walkerhe said the team “put more weight on our shoulders than was probably necessary” by finishing runners-up to Spain.
Under manager Pep Guardiola, City have become a relentless winning machine – but staying motivated for further campaigns has not become any more difficult.
Walker added: “For us to make it four games in a row after a Treble was a huge achievement. To pick ourselves up and come back after such a high, as well as winning the Super Cup and the Club World Cup too, was especially important.
“Now, why can’t we do five in a row? Why can’t we do something that I think will probably never be done again? That’s the motivation we have to create in us as a group of players, from me as captain.”
Guardiola is a driving force behind City’s hunger and ensures the players match his level of dedication in delivering titles.
Walker admitted the club wants “instant success – and that’s what we have to deliver”.
“I think if you didn’t have that motivation, he wouldn’t accept you at the club. Winning is a big part of his DNA,” he told Monday Night Club.
“Look at the teams he coached and coached, the players he worked with. He’s not shy about telling you that if you’re not doing your part, he’s not afraid to tell you.”
‘Everyone wants to be liked’ – on criticism of the England Euro 2024 team
After beating Serbia in their Euro Group C debut, England entered strong criticism when they followed up their 1-0 victory with dull draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Speaking on You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker, the defender revealed that the team discussed media criticism whilst in Germany.
“I would be lying if I said we didn’t talk about it,” he added. “We are all human beings and everyone wants to be liked – especially for the work you do with so much passion and love.”
The Three Lions later overtook Slovakia in the round of 16, winning 2-1. They were 1-0 down to the 44th ranked country until the 95th minute when Jude Bellingham scored overhead bicycle kick to take the game into extra time, where captain Harry Kane headed in the decisive goal.
Walker, who was also part of the English team in shameful fashion eliminated by Iceland in the round of 16 of Euro 2016, he admitted he thought history could repeat itself before Bellingham’s goal.
“You just think, ‘Is this really happening again?'” he said, adding how the late winners showed “the courage and courage” of the team.
‘Extremely shocked’ by Grealish omission
A major story in the tournament was Gareth Southgate’s decision not to include Manchester City striker Jack Grealish in his 26-man squad. The 28-year-old, who has 36 caps for England, said afterwards that he was “broken hearted” stay out.
Club team-mate Walker told You’ll Never Beat podcast Kyle Walker that he was “extremely shocked” by Southgate’s decision, saying Grealish “brings something different” to the other players who traveled to Germany.
He added that “it’s not up to me to decide who’s on the team.”
Southgate’s team selections were also scrutinized throughout the tournament, with some pundits and fans calling for Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon to start games or be brought onto the field before being substitutes.
Walker said the players “understand that the coach has a very, very difficult decision to make” and added “it’s not always the starters who go on and get all the plaudits.”
Watkins scored a winning goal in the 90th minute in the semi-final against the Netherlands after being brought on as a late substitute. Palmer, from Chelsea, in turn, brought the level of England against Spain in the final, after being brought on in the second half.
Southgate resigned at the end of the tournament and Lee Carsley was appointed interim manager.
