Guardiola Brushes Off Title Race Speculation Ahead of Newcastle Fixture
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has emphatically dismissed questions about the Premier League title race, stating he "could not care less" about the current standings. This comes after Arsenal's midweek draw against Wolves narrowed the gap to just five points, with City holding a game in hand and a crucial April meeting with the Gunners still to come.
Focus Firmly on Immediate Challenge
Guardiola played a straight bat to inquiries about whether City now have a better chance at the title than a few months ago. He insisted his sole concentration is on Saturday's home clash with Newcastle United. "I don't know what's going to happen these next 12 games," Guardiola declared. "I didn't speak one second about that with my players. Yesterday, the day before, just Newcastle, Newcastle and Newcastle."
The manager elaborated, "I didn't talk about the table, I didn't talk about the position. I could not care less. You tell me this question with two games left, three games left, I will have your answer. It's 12 games left, it's an eternity. Many things is going to happen is the only truth I have."
Experience Not a Factor, Says Guardiola
Guardiola also batted away suggestions that City's extensive experience in winning titles would give them an edge in the run-in. He pointed out, "Seventy per cent of the players are new so they don't have experience to live these kind of situations." This highlights the evolving squad dynamics at the Etihad Stadium.
City benefited from a rare midweek break, which Guardiola admitted was much-needed after his team appeared exhausted ahead of last weekend's FA Cup tie against Salford. "The important thing is the players are revitalised," he noted. "We've had a lot of months with few days off. I don't have to run one metre so for me it's not a problem, after one or two days I sleep well, it's enough. The players have trained good the last two days."
Team News and Player Praise
In positive news for City, star striker Erling Haaland is set to return to the squad for the Newcastle match. Winger Savinho is also fit again after recovering from a thigh injury that has kept him out since early January. However, fellow winger Jeremy Doku remains sidelined.
One of City's standout performers in recent weeks has been Antoine Semenyo, who has seamlessly integrated into the side following his move from Bournemouth. Guardiola expressed his delight with the forward's impact. "It's not just scoring a lot of goals in people that play up front," he said.
Guardiola praised Semenyo's versatility, adding, "He can play in all three positions, we knew it, and in Bournemouth they are exceptional in the rhythm and defensively so he has it in his DNA. The impact has been really good. He's never played in the Champions League before and it's a good test for him how he'll react, but I'm pretty sure, with his mentality, he will handle that quite well."
Guardiola Comments on Racism in Football
Meanwhile, Guardiola was asked about the disturbing incidents at the recent Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid, where Vinicius Junior was allegedly subjected to racial abuse. The City manager emphasized the ongoing battle against racism. "There's a lot of work to do," Guardiola stated. "Racism is everywhere. Pay a lot to the teachers. The teachers and the doctors have to be the most important people in society by far, not the managers."
His comments underscore a broader societal issue that continues to plague football, calling for greater investment in education and healthcare professionals to drive meaningful change.
