Manchester City still in Premier League title race: Guardiola unfazed by Arsenal win
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Arsenal's late win over West Ham United on Sunday had not added any extra pressure on his side as the Premier League title race heads into its decisive phase.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his side remain firmly in the Premier League title race despite Arsenal opening a five-point gap at the top with a late win over West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of City’s clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Guardiola said Arsenal’s result had not added any extra pressure on the defending champions, who still have a game in hand.
“Same one as two days, three days, four days ago,” Guardiola told reporters when asked about the pressure of the title race.
“What I've learned from my career as a manager is, what you cannot control, forget about it. To do better what you have not done better this season. To arrive in better position to fight for the Premier League, that we are still fighting.”
City know victory over Palace would reduce Arsenal’s lead to two points with two games remaining, keeping the title battle alive heading into the closing stretch of the season.
Guardiola, however, warned against underestimating Palace despite their poor recent league form. The London side are winless in their last four Premier League matches but are preparing for the biggest game in their history — the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.
“They have a European final,” Guardiola said.
“Maybe struggling a bit in the Premier League with a lot of changes. Manager (Oliver Glasner) is leaving... and maybe they were not consistent, but the quality is there.”
Guardiola also provided a fitness update on Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and defender Abdukodir Khusanov, saying both players were feeling much better, though he stopped short of confirming whether they would feature against Palace.
With City set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday before travelling to Bournemouth three days later, Guardiola admitted squad rotation could become necessary during the hectic run-in.
“After three days we travel to London, then come back and play Bournemouth. So of course... I have to think about it,” he said.
Guardiola also brushed aside concerns that Palace could rest players against Arsenal later this month to prioritise their European final.
“They are so professional, the teams. Crystal Palace will play top against Arsenal,” he added.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his side remain firmly in the Premier League title race despite Arsenal opening a five-point gap at the top with a late win over West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of City’s clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Guardiola said Arsenal’s result had not added any extra pressure on the defending champions, who still have a game in hand.
“Same one as two days, three days, four days ago,” Guardiola told reporters when asked about the pressure of the title race.
“What I've learned from my career as a manager is, what you cannot control, forget about it. To do better what you have not done better this season. To arrive in better position to fight for the Premier League, that we are still fighting.”
City know victory over Palace would reduce Arsenal’s lead to two points with two games remaining, keeping the title battle alive heading into the closing stretch of the season.
Guardiola, however, warned against underestimating Palace despite their poor recent league form. The London side are winless in their last four Premier League matches but are preparing for the biggest game in their history — the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.
“They have a European final,” Guardiola said.
“Maybe struggling a bit in the Premier League with a lot of changes. Manager (Oliver Glasner) is leaving... and maybe they were not consistent, but the quality is there.”
Guardiola also provided a fitness update on Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and defender Abdukodir Khusanov, saying both players were feeling much better, though he stopped short of confirming whether they would feature against Palace.
With City set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday before travelling to Bournemouth three days later, Guardiola admitted squad rotation could become necessary during the hectic run-in.
“After three days we travel to London, then come back and play Bournemouth. So of course... I have to think about it,” he said.
Guardiola also brushed aside concerns that Palace could rest players against Arsenal later this month to prioritise their European final.
“They are so professional, the teams. Crystal Palace will play top against Arsenal,” he added.
