Eyes on the prize: Five things entrepreneurs can learn from Manchester City’s star players

The 2021/2022 English Premier League season has just begun, and you can be sure defending champions and QNET partners Manchester City have their eyes on English football’s top prize once again.

It will no doubt be a tough EPL campaign, with rivals like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United having strengthened. The challenging path ahead this season was well illustrated by City’s opening-day defeat against Tottenham Hotspurs on Aug 15.

Nevertheless, Sky Blues stars, old and new, are determined to work together to steer their team to more football glory – and if there’s one thing you can be assured of with the defending champions, it’s that they’re always more than capable of rising to a challenge.

Here are five lessons from Man City’s star players and serial winners to inspire entrepreneurs and businesspersons aiming for success:

Believe in yourself

Striker Sergio Aguero, who wore the No. 10 jersey at Man City from August 2015 until he left the club at the end of last season, is a City legend. But new record signing Jack Grealish, who took over Aguero’s number, is backing himself to do the hallowed shirt justice.

As he says: “They are big shoes to fill… We know how successful he was. If I can manage to achieve half of what he did with City I’ll have done really well! But I feel I can wear it and do well in it.”

In short, one of the most important keys to success for footballer – as well as any entrepreneur! – is self-belief.

Appreciate your team

Not everyone feels motivated in the same way. But creating the right working environment and making sure people feel appreciated, goes a long way to ensuring success in any team environment.

Just ask defender John Stones, who said upon signing a new contract recently: “After all the memories that I have already made, the good times, the people, I feel like it is definitely home.

“There is always that element that you have to fight for everything. I have said that numerous times, and I will continue to do that and give everything for the club.”

In other words, keep your team happy and motivated, but also challenged. Winners don’t rest on their laurels!

Learn from failure

Experience teaches valuable lessons. And it’s especially important to learn and come back stronger from setbacks. To quote City’s stylish Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus: “Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t win. What happened with us in seasons before gave us more strength, it gave us more experience.”
So, if life gives you a lemon, just remember what Chumbawamba said: “I got knocked down, but I got up again. You’re never gonna keep me down!”.

Always look to improve

Despite his 36 years of age and a mantlepiece crowded with awards, club captain Fernandinho is always hungry for more glory. That’s why he decided to renew his contract and stay at the Etihad.

“Well, obviously in my head and my mind, the job is not done yet. And so that’s why I decided to stay here another year and try to help the team and the club to achieve the goals that they’re looking for,” the midfielder said.

“In my point of view, we can do that, there’s still places to improve and to get those targets.”

Be adaptable, and take charge

By his own admission, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t always a leader.

However, changes to the squad over the years has seen him thrust into many different roles.

And when he was called upon by manager Pep Guardiola to lead, the midfielder adapted and rose to the challenge. As De Bruyne said: “… I’m becoming more a leader on and off the pitch. I try to help (Fernandinho) as his wingman to get everything in order.

“I’m learning a lot about myself and about the way the team is run. It can only help me for the future.”