Premier League ‘ours to lose’, says Man City’s Walker

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 successive English top-flight championships last term and begin their defence on Sunday when they travel to Chelsea.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, England full-back Walker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this now four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose.

“I can assure you, when you’re looking down at your arm and you’ve got that gold badge that no-one else has got it’s a good feeling. Long may it continue.”

Under manager Pep Guardiola, City have become a ruthless winning machine – but getting motivated for new campaigns hasn’t got any more difficult.

Walker added: “For us to go and do four in a row off the back of a Treble was a great achievement. To pick yourself up and go again after such a high, plus we won the Super Cup and Club World Cup as well, was especially important.

“Now, why can’t we go and do five in a row? Why can’t we go and do something I don’t think will probably be ever be done again? That’s the motivation we have to create from us as a group of players, from me as a captain.”

Guardiola is a driving force for City’s hunger and makes sure the players match his level of dedication to delivering silverware.

Walker admitted the club want “instant success – and that’s what we have to deliver”.

“I think if you didn’t have that drive, he wouldn’t have you at the club. It’s a big part of his DNA, winning,” he told the Monday Night Club.

“Look at the teams he’s gone and managed, the players he’s worked with. He’s not shy that if you’re not pulling your weight, he’s not scared to tell you.”