Pep Guardiola: Manchester City boss named Premier League manager of the season for a fifth time

Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League manager of the season for a fifth time after leading Manchester City to the title.

City claimed a record fourth successive title with victory over West Ham on Sunday. It is the sixth Premier League title he has won with City since his arrival in 2016.

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp made up a five-man shortlist in a public vote combined with a panel of football experts.

But it was Guardiola who came out on top, having also won the award in four of his five previous title-winning campaigns.

"I want to share it, yes, oh yes! Especially with Mikel [Arteta] for the incredible job he has done until the last game, bringing us to our limits," Guardiola said.

"Of course, for Jurgen [Klopp], for the unforgettable battles for many, many years. And Unai Emery, making something unbelievable again to bring Aston Villa to the [UEFA] Champions League.

"And Andoni Iraola, with Bournemouth, being his first season in the Premier League, doing what he has done, coming back from the tough start of the season.

"It is an honour to be alongside all of them and to win this trophy. We will defend this award as best as possible in the future."

Only former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has won the award more times, picking up the prize 11 times.

Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Everyone at City is delighted for Pep and this latest recognition of his achievements.

“As Pep is always quick to point out, our history making success is a team effort and would not be possible without the tireless work of our players, coaches and backroom staff.

“However, Pep’s inspirational leadership and drive to succeed has made us a beautiful team to watch and seen us once again come out on top in the toughest league in the world.

“He has taken the club to the summit of the game and everyone connected with Manchester City should be very proud that he represents us.”

City could complete a double-winning season this campaign with an FA Cup final against fierce rivals Manchester United to be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna scooped the LMA Manager of the Year award after his Ipswich Town side secured promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Tractor Boys rose from League One last term and followed that up with a sensational run to second spot in the Championship this time around, finishing just a single point behind a formidable Leicester City.

After a blip in mid-winter which saw the season threaten to unravel with one win in nine, McKenna's men bounced back with a vengeance with a blitz of 10 victories in 11 games seeing them surge ahead of Leeds United in the race for automatic promotion.

They scored the most goals (92) in the division, and will now play in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years - with the performances leading to reports linking McKenna with the vacant jobs at Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 38-year-old, who previously coached Manchester United's Under-18s, said on the honour: "This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life.

"It's the best thing in the world and I've had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can't wait for."

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