Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted he is not focused on the Premier League title race despite his side closing the gap on leaders Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of City’s crucial clash with Newcastle United, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that the title race was heating up, stressing that with 12 games remaining, an eternity still lies ahead.
City currently sit five points behind Arsenal but have a game in hand. A victory over Newcastle would move them within two points of the summit and increase pressure at the top of the table.
“I did not talk about the table. I could not care less,” Guardiola said. “Twelve games is an eternity. That is the only truth.”
Haaland and Savinho Boost for City
Guardiola confirmed that leading scorer Erling Haaland is fit to return after missing the last two matches through injury. Haaland currently tops the Premier League scoring chart with 22 goals.
Winger Savinho is also available again after nearly seven weeks out with a thigh injury, giving City a timely boost as they chase a seventh league title under Guardiola.
Experience Not a Deciding Factor
Despite City’s dominance in recent years, winning six league titles since the 2017 to 18 campaign, Guardiola rejected the idea that experience gives his side an edge.
“Seventy percent of the players are new, so they do not have this experience,” he said. “An experience is to win tomorrow. This is the only one.”
Guardiola Speaks on Racism in Football
Guardiola also addressed allegations by Vinicius Junior regarding racist abuse during a Champions League match involving Real Madrid and Benfica.
The City manager described racism as a broader societal issue, not one confined to football.
“There is a lot of work to do. Racism is everywhere,” he said.
As the Premier League season enters its decisive stretch, Guardiola remains focused solely on the next match, a mindset that has often proved crucial in City’s title winning campaigns.
