Manchester City’s pursuit of multiple trophies this season hasn’t swayed manager Pep Guardiola’s attention away from their upcoming Premier League showdown against Arsenal, which he deems a pivotal encounter akin to a “final.”
While City remains in contention for the FA Cup and the Champions League, with significant clashes against Chelsea and Real Madrid looming, Guardiola emphasized the importance of staying grounded and prioritizing their immediate challenge against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on March 31.
“One step at a time,” Guardiola emphasized, reflecting on City’s busy schedule. “We have a final against Arsenal. I don’t want to think too much into the future right now. It’s been an intense period.”
Guardiola expressed his hope for the return of all his players from the international break in good shape for the crucial Arsenal clash. With the Premier League title race heating up, every player’s fitness becomes paramount, especially with City trailing just behind Arsenal and Liverpool.
“I will not watch the (International) games. I will rest, and when they arrive, we will see which players survive,” Guardiola remarked, underlining the significance of player recovery and readiness for the upcoming fixture.
With a brief window between the international break and the Arsenal match, Guardiola emphasized the importance of utilizing the limited time for preparation effectively.
“When we come back, we will have three days to prepare for the game against Arsenal. Let’s go,” Guardiola concluded, emphasizing the team’s determination and focus as they aim to navigate through a critical juncture of the season.
