Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said his team do not feel any extra pressure, even though they likely need to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday to stay in the race for the Premier League title.
City are currently five points behind leaders Arsenal, but they have one game in hand. With only three matches left to play, any slip-up could hand the title to Arsenal. If City fail to win at the Etihad Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side could secure their first league title in 22 years as early as Monday against Burnley.
Guardiola was asked at his press conference on Tuesday how much pressure City are under following recent results, including a damaging 3-3 draw at Everton. He played down the suggestion that his squad is feeling the heat.
“Same one, two days, three days, four days ago, one week, two weeks, same one,” he said.
The City boss also said he had not yet spoken to his players to check their mood after the dramatic end to Arsenal’s match at West Ham on Sunday. The Gunners won 1-0 after a late West Ham equaliser was ruled out following a long VAR review.
Guardiola added that his focus is only on things he can control. “I learned from my career as a manager, what you cannot control, forget about it,” he said. “Focus and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting and next is Crystal Palace.”
The City manager also played down fears that Crystal Palace might field a weakened team. Palace host Arsenal on the final day of the season, just days before they face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final. But Guardiola said he is not concerned.
“They are so professional, the teams,” he said. “Crystal Palace will play top. We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs, how even being out of the relegation battle… how they compete.”
On the injury front, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov are both “better”. He said he would decide after training on Tuesday whether either player is ready to return to action.
City are also still in the running for a domestic treble. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, having already won the League Cup earlier this season.
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