Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City that Tuesday's trip to Bournemouth will be like visiting the dentist as he prepares for a game that could shape the Premier League title race. Bournemouth, currently sixth and four points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, are pushing for Champions League qualification and are unbeaten in 16 league matches.
Guardiola's Dentist Analogy
Guardiola likened the challenge of facing Bournemouth to a dental appointment. "I often use it as an analogy for how difficult it is," the manager said. He highlighted the intensity of Andoni Iraola's side: "They don't let you breathe. When a team is so intense, always when fatigue comes due to the amount of games, they can reduce this tempo a little bit, but with 10 days to prepare, I expect an intense team."
Title Race Implications
Guardiola hopes City's results against Bournemouth and then at home to Aston Villa on the final day will secure the title. Arsenal finish their campaign at Crystal Palace. "I wouldn't say Aston Villa is easy – in fact completely the opposite – but we would love it if on Sunday our people can come at 3pm and maybe what happens at Selhurst Park will be nice," Guardiola said. "So we will try to extend it and keep the hope that we can win the Premier League again."
The Etihad Stadium's expanded North Stand will open for Villa's visit. Reflecting on his 17th major trophy with City, Guardiola dismissed suggestions of a stand named after him: "They don't have to do anything. The important thing is when you are an old grandfather, you can laugh at the memories."
