- Guardiola issues warning before key away fixture
- City approach crucial stage of the season
- Focus remains priority despite recent momentum
Pep Guardiola has issued a clear message to his Manchester City players ahead of their clash against Burnley, urging them to remain focused despite the opportunity to go top of the Premier League.
Critics were still doubting Man City’s comeback following the Carabao Cup win and Liverpool’s thrashing in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
However, the tables have now turned as Guardiola’s men translated that form into their Premier League games.
The Sky Blues went on to win against Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Then, they edged Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad, and now the Citizens stand three points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
City face Burnley next in what is to be the easiest end-of-season fixture for the club. The squad is locked in, and Guardiola has already sent his message before the clash.
Pep Guardiola affirms focus before Burnley clash
In the pre-match press conference before the Burnley game, Guardiola offered some injury updates and also mentioned loan player Vitor Reis’ development.
However, the Catalan manager didn’t forget to make his point in a message aimed at the City squad, as he urged the players not to lose focus.
“Don’t lose focus. There are six games left. We know exactly what is going to happen when we get a result or if we don’t get a result,” Guardiola said.
“Both teams know we cannot lose or drop points. So now it will be difficult to recover. Our calendar is so demanding, so of course the three days, but especially in the Everton game when the opponents are really, really tough.”
He added: “The margins define many, many things.”
Arsenal face Newcastle on Saturday
Man City have a midweek Premier League clash as they face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals on the weekend.
On the same day, Arsenal face Newcastle United and their starman, Bukayo Saka, is still a doubt for the clash.
The Gunners might’ve lost against the Citizens, but another slip will result in a definite oust from the Premier League title race.
FA Cup semi-final adds pressure
While winning against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final inspired confidence in the Sky Blues, it also now adds extra pressure on the Citizens.
Last week, it was City who got a whole week off before facing Arsenal, and now the Gunners have that opportunity.
With an FA Cup game on the weekend, Guardiola will need to balance the weights so that they win both mid-week and on the weekend.
