Man City want more from fans but can't have it both ways after latest ticket price rise

Pep Guardiola called on his Manchester City fans to bring the noise for their latest treble run-in, seeing them as a secret weapon at a time when fine margins will determine if they make history or fall short in their quest for a double-treble. He needs unity - but the club's latest move has put a fragile club-supporter relationship at risk.

Guardiola has waded into tricky waters in the past when calling for more from the Etihad stands, sometimes failing to see the bigger picture that simply getting to a City game will cost a family in the hundreds each game. It is not in his remit to keep completely abreast of fan issues - he's busy enough leading City to become world champions - but it took a few years for manager and fanbase to be on the same page when it comes to the Etihad atmosphere.

City's success under Guardiola has resulted in a compromise between the manager and the fans, and Guardiola always makes an effort to thank fans after each game. That means that his recent comments will have been received in the good faith they were intended: if you are coming to the Etihad, please make some noise and help us along.

Man City raise season ticket prices again despite record profits

'Trying to replace us' - Man City fans blast club over ticket price rises

But those comments have now been used against City, who have yet again raised season ticket prices - facing accusations that the club want to replace loyal regulars with more lucrative day-trippers. If City want a ferocious Etihad atmosphere every week, but also want to squeeze more money from season-ticket holders, they can't have it both ways.

After fans were told their ticket prices would increase by email this week, fan groups 1894 and the MCFC Fans Supporting