Assuming this story isn't complete bollocks I think you've nailed it there. In a couple of post match interviews, without being prompted, Pep has gone out of his way to thank the owners and the management at City for "getting" him these wonderful players. Without wishing to perpetuate Keown's MOTD paintbrush analogy, if you see Pep as a football artist then City gives him all the paint and brushes it is humanly possible to get, FFP permitting, and the freedom to paint what he likes.
Where else is he going to get that?
A little something Pep knocked off after the Swansea game ;-)