Pep Guardiola Downplays Title Race Significance as Manchester City Close Gap on Arsenal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted he “could not care less” about the Premier League title race, despite his team’s potential to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just two points with a win over Newcastle United on Saturday evening. The comments come after Arsenal failed to extend their lead at the top of the table, drawing with Wolves midweek.
Guardiola Focused Solely on Newcastle
Despite the shifting dynamics of the title race, Guardiola emphasized his sole focus remains on Manchester City’s upcoming match against Newcastle. “I don’t understand what’s going to happen these next 12 games,” Guardiola stated in a press conference. “I didn’t speak one second about that with my players. Yesterday, the day before, just Newcastle, Newcastle and Newcastle.”
He reiterated his disinterest in the league table, adding, “I could not care less. You tell me this question with two games left, three games left, I will have your answer.” Guardiola believes that with 12 games remaining, “it’s an eternity” and “many things [are] going to happen.”
Squad Updates and Player Form
Manchester City are set to welcome Erling Haaland and Savinho back into the squad for the Newcastle clash. Haaland has been recovering, while Savinho returns after a thigh injury that kept him sidelined since January. However, Jérémy Doku remains sidelined.
Guardiola has been particularly pleased with the performance of Antoine Semenyo, who has seamlessly integrated into the team since his transfer from Bournemouth. “The versatility, he can play in all three positions, we knew it,” Guardiola said. “The impact has been really good.” Guardiola too noted Semenyo’s lack of Champions League experience, viewing it as a “good test” for the forward.
Guardiola Addresses Broader Issues
Guardiola also briefly addressed the issue of racism in football, referencing recent incidents at a Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid. He stressed the importance of education, stating, “There’s a lot of work to do. Racism is everywhere. Pay a lot to the teachers. The teachers and the doctors have to be the most important people in society by far, not the managers.”
City’s Title Credentials
Guardiola also downplayed the significance of his team’s experience in winning titles, noting that 70% of the current squad are new players who lack that experience. Despite this, he remains optimistic about City’s chances, acknowledging they are “breathing down the necks” of Arsenal , but also recognizing the need for continued improvement.