Despite the continuous pressures of a Premier League championship race, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared that he is the “happiest guy in the world.”
With a 1-4 away victory at Southampton and a 2-2 draw between the Gunners and Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, City pulled to within six points of Arsenal at the top of the English Premier League.
Manchester City also has a game in hand over Mikel Arteta’s team, and the two sides are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium in their final match of the season – a duel that might decide the Premier League champions this season.
Although many managers would find it difficult to deal with the expectations of participating in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup at this point in the season, Pep Guardiola confesses that it makes him the happiest man on earth.
Guardiola, speaking after the triumph on the south coast, emphasized that there is no space for mistakes. “As I’ve mentioned many times, if we lose a game, we lose the Premier League” (title). It is not possible in September or October. ‘Alright, we lose points, or whatever,’ you ᵴɑү.
“Following seasons like Liverpool’s, who was unstoppable, and right now Arsenal are unstoppable and scoring a lot of points.” But, as everyone knows, if we lose or drop points today (against Southampton), Leicester, or, of course, Arsenal, we won’t have a chance. But we’re still there, with many games to go, and what matters is that we’re still alive and in three tournaments.”
Notwithstanding City’s recent Premier League triumph, Guardiola admits that he would love to be in the shoes of his opponents, and probably vice versa.
“I would love to be in Arsenal’s situation in the Premier League, to control our fate.” At the same time, I’m sure Arsenal would love to compete in the FA Cup and Europe.” With what has transpired in the past, with the huge number of games played this season and prior seasons, we are still there – I like it. You go to work thinking, “Well, if we win against Leicester, we’re still in it.” We can still be alive if we win against Arsenal. Getting there and thinking that there is nothing to do.
“The same thing happens in the Champions League.” It’s a delight to be in the quarter-finals again against Europe’s top. I like less in September, October, and November.”
With games against Arsenal in the Premier League, Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, and Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals, the next few weeks might have a big impact on Manchester City’s aim of winning all three trophies.
Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, is overjoyed with the scenario.
“When you get to the latter stages and start battling for championships, I’m the happiest guy on the planet.” I like being here. What will transpire? I’m not sure. Everything has to be flawless if we’re going to win.
“We will be a failing team if we lose.” Nothing will change when the sun rises the next day. And then try it again later. This is the mentality we need to adopt: knowing that we need to do it, and doing it while remembering that we have done it before.
“That’s why I’m so thrilled with the group of players I have, with the club we’ve built, and with everyone wanting to become better and better.” That is why we have come.”