Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are feeling no added pressure despite Arsenal moving five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a late victory over West Ham United.
Arsenal strengthened their position on Sunday, but City still have a game in hand and remain firmly in contention for a fifth successive league title. Even if Guardiola’s side defeat Crystal Palace on Wednesday, they will sit two points behind the leaders with two matches remaining.
Asked whether Arsenal’s result had increased the pressure on his players, Guardiola dismissed the suggestion.
“Same one as two days, three days, four days ago,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday.
“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.”
Pep Guardiola Focused On Manchester City’s Own Premier League Challenge
Guardiola said City’s priority remains improving their own performances rather than worrying about Arsenal’s results.
The Spaniard expects Crystal Palace to pose a serious threat, despite the London side sitting 15th in the table and failing to win any of their last four league matches.
“They have a European final,” he said, referring to Palace’s upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League Final against Rayo Vallecano on 27 May.
“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 revealed that injured midfielder Rodri and defender Abdukodir Khusanov are “feeling much better”, although he did not confirm whether either player would be available for selection.
Manchester City Could Rotate Squad Ahead Of FA Cup Final
Crystal Palace will face Arsenal in their final Premier League fixture, just three days before their first major European final.
Guardiola said he has no concerns that Palace might rest players against Arsenal to prioritise the Conference League showdown.
“They are so professional, the teams. Crystal Palace will play top against (Arsenal),” Guardiola said.
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City, meanwhile, are preparing for a demanding run of fixtures that includes Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Chelsea and a trip to Bournemouth three days later.
Guardiola acknowledged that squad rotation may be necessary to keep his players fresh.
“After three days we travel to London, then come back and play Bournemouth. So of course… I have to think about it, yeah,” he added.
