Manager Pep Guardiola: 'The Premier League is not our priority'

Manager Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City to stay focused, while acknowledging that the title race remains unpredictable with Arsenal leading.

Following a crucial victory over Arsenal, Manager Pep Guardiola shared notable insights about the title race, while expressing great respect for the opponent.

The Spanish strategist emphasized that the entire team must maintain maximum focus during the decisive phase of the season. He stressed: “I told the players after the match: enjoy this moment, but don't lose focus. We still have a very long 3-4 weeks ahead.”

Despite having narrowed the gap on the standings, Pep remained cautious when discussing the championship opportunity. He candidly stated: “We are there, but the reality is who is leading? Not us. They still have more points and a better goal difference than us, so we must take it step by step.”

Additionally, the Manchester City manager also offered many compliments for Arsenal, the team directly competing for the title. Pep assessed: “Arsenal are truly very, very strong. Their style of play, their competitiveness, their handling of long balls and second balls are extremely excellent. You cannot lead the Premier League and remain unbeaten in the Champions League unless you are a special team.”

He also admitted that defeating Arsenal was no easy challenge: “I understand how difficult it is to beat them once, let alone twice within just a few weeks.”

Beyond the title race, Pep Guardiola also emphasized the importance of securing a Champions League spot: “We have already secured our place in next season's Champions League, and for this club, that is the most important trophy at this moment, for many reasons.”

Notably, Pep also shared an interesting observation about the duel between Erling Haaland and Arsenal's center-back pair: “I wouldn't want to be Haaland facing Gabriel and Saliba. I'd rather read a book. They are really excellent, but he handled it well.”

Pep Guardiola's statements show that Man City remains level-headed, despite creating significant pressure on Arsenal in the season's final stretch.