Pep Guardiola Credits Sunny Weather for Manchester City's Improved Play

City manager believes his team performs better when the sun is shining

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:53pm

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and movement of a Premier League football match, with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's performance is boosted by sunny weather, adding an extra layer of energy and dynamism to the team's play.Manchester Today

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his team plays better when the weather is sunny, claiming the players lift their levels in good weather. City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal after their latest victory.

Why it matters

Guardiola's comments highlight the psychological impact weather can have on professional athletes, suggesting that environmental factors beyond just training and tactics can influence a team's performance on the pitch.

The details

Following Manchester City's latest win, Guardiola told reporters, "The sun. I'm not joking. At this stage of the season the players have to make a step up, and they seem to do that better when the weather is nice." The Spaniard has long been known for his meticulous attention to detail, and his belief that sunny conditions help his team raise their game is an intriguing insight into his coaching philosophy.

  • Manchester City played their latest match on April 12, 2026.

The players

Pep Guardiola

The manager of Manchester City, known for his innovative tactics and attention to detail.

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What they’re saying

“The sun. I'm not joking. At this stage of the season the players have to make a step up, and they seem to do that better when the weather is nice.”

— Pep Guardiola, Manager, Manchester City

The takeaway

Guardiola's comments suggest that professional athletes can be influenced by environmental factors beyond just their training and tactics, highlighting the psychological impact that something as simple as sunny weather can have on a team's performance.