The nominees for the player to succeed Luka Modric were released during the week but surprisingly no player from Guardiola’s side made the shortlist.
Despite Manchester City winning all three English trophies on offer last season and reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, it was not enough to merit any of their players a nomination.
In contrast, Champions League winners Liverpool boast three players with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk all nominated, while Harry Kane of Tottenham and former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard have all been shortlisted.
“I’m not going to say that the guys nominated for this award don’t deserve it, but for example our players in the [PFA Team of the Year] there were five or six who made it,” the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager said.
“It’s a little surprising for us because they were incredible last season. We won four titles but we were not able to be in it, not even once.
“Maybe because it’s seven games [i.e. the Champions League knock-out stages], for this award it’s seven games. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals.
“When you win the Champions League you will be there. The other 10 or 11 months don’t count for this kind of award. It is what it is. Maybe we have to win five titles? Or maybe six? Maybe we need 250 points to be considered to be there next season? We are going to try.”
Ajax Amsterdam’s departed duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe complete the list.
