Guardiola refutes ‘bullsh*t’ Man City claim before ‘really important’ showdown vs Arsenal
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Wednesday’s game against Arsenal is “really important” but the outcome will not be “decisive”.
City are five points behind the Londoners but Guardiola’s team have two games in hand. Arsenal are in need of a victory as they have dropped points in three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton.
Guardiola’s side made a sluggish start to this season but they are now unbeaten in nine league games. Their last defeat came against Tottenham Hotspur in February.
Man City are unsurprisingly considered the favourites for the Arsenal game. Guardiola was asked what makes his team so strong at this stage of the season when speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon: “I never believe about the training conditions. When we lose the game the first argument is that the physicality is not good. That is bullsh*t.
“My team arrive at the end of the season now and if they lose games it will be over. That’s why in October or November you can’t have that feeling.
“When we got 100 points we started everything as a final, when we start seasons after back-to-back titles they don’t feel like finals.
“But now I get that feeling ’cause it’s really really close. To arrive at this point in the league to have the chances in the hands – but they [Arsenal] have the chance too, the destiny will be in their hands if they win, but if we win destiny will be in our hands in the seven games left we have.”
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Guardiola has also suggested that the result of the Arsenal game is “not decisive” but he “can’t deny how important it is”.
“It’s really important. Not decisive. A lot of tough games for both sides but we can’t deny how important it is,” Guardiola added.
“Everything. When you play against these types of teams they control everything. Arsenal, back when Arsene Wenger was watching, always have incredible details and care with the ball, the players they select to play are of the biggest qualities and skills and I think Mikel brings a different dimension.
“They are so aggressive, they can go to Anfield against the team who has been the best in transitions in recent years and they were better.
“In the two games we played this season we felt it and you have to challenge them on those terms. The quality they have in the build-up, on the second balls, it’s difficult.”
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