Man City must be perfect to win Premier League, says Guardiola

Football
By AFP | May 04, 2024
Pep Guardiola. [Man City]

Pep Guardiola has played down suggestions that Manchester City's greater experience will be pivotal as his side go head to head with Arsenal for the Premier League title, saying his side must be perfect to come out on top.

Defending champions City, chasing an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight crown, are second in the table, one point behind the Gunners but with a game in hand.

Arsenal, on 80 points with three games to play, have a chance to put pressure on City as they host Bournemouth in the early kick-off on Saturday.

City host Wolves at the Etihad later in the day, desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2-1 defeat they suffered at Molineux earlier this season.

Guardiola's men, unbeaten in 31 matches in all competitions, are hot favourites to win the Premier League for the sixth time in seven seasons but the City manager is taking nothing for granted.

He was asked at Friday's press conference whether his team's title-winning nous would prove pivotal.

"I would love (that), but I don't know, I don't have an answer to this question," he said. "I would love to think 'yes' but we have to prove it tomorrow against Wolves and in the next games.

"We know that we have to win all 12 points, otherwise it will be difficult because Arsenal are so strong, so consistent and it's difficult to see them dropping points."

Guardiola said top-scorer Erling Haaland was fit enough to start after coming on as a substitute against Nottingham Forest last weekend and scoring in a 2-0 win.

"When everybody is fit they have to be ready," he said.

"I don't know exactly what I'm going to do tomorrow.

"Of course I have little doubts for one or two players in the line-up but the rest the game-plan, what I want to do, I had time to think about it and see the last games from Wolves, but he's ready."

Guardiola confirmed that Ruben Dias and Phil Foden, who both missed the Forest match through illness, would be available, along with goalkeeper Ederson.

Share this story
Asati and Ooro to lead Shujaa ahead of World Rugby Sevens Series return
Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi miss out due to contract issues.
Faith Kipyegon awarded Honorary Doctor of Education Degree
Triple-Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Eldoret, acknowledging her unparalleled contributions to athletics.
Mashemeji Derby postponed due to lack of suitable venue
Kenya’s most iconic football clash, the Mashemeji Derby, has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of a suitable venue.
Former champions Standard FC out to reclaim Road to Anfield title
The tournament will be graced by Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer who will preside over the battle for the sole ticket to represent Kenya at the famous Anfield.
Trucha wants derby to be AFC Leopards' turning point
AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha leads his charges into the game as a man under immense pressure, as the club has only won one of its last five matches.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS