Cries of fixture scheduling injustice, admiration for Liverpool’s Thiago, and caution over injuries

Manchester City is set to face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a match dubbed a ‘final’ by manager Pep Guardiola.

City will be looking to avenge their loss in the previous fixture at the Emirates, where Gabriel Martinelli’s late deflected goal added to their woes without Rodri in the defensive midfield.

Despite missing Kyle Walker and John Stones due to injuries sustained on international duty, Manchester City’s squad has seen improvements with the return of Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ederson, just in time for a busy schedule ahead.

In a Friday press conference, Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on various topics with the media.

On the impact of previous Premier League title winners/challengers in future races:

Guardiola emphasized the importance of focusing on upcoming games rather than past achievements, highlighting the need to beat teams like Arsenal to maintain a competitive edge.

On Rodri’s vital role in the midfield:

Guardiola praised Rodri’s consistency and mentality, emphasizing his importance as a key player for the team.

On Manchester City’s form against top-six teams:

Guardiola acknowledged the stats but stressed that each game is different, pointing out the team’s strong performances against top sides despite not always securing victories.

On the need to improve performance against top teams:

Guardiola acknowledged the importance of winning games against top teams to have a chance at winning the Premier League, emphasizing the need for consistency.

On his relationship with Mikel Arteta:

Guardiola praised Arteta’s progress as a manager but downplayed his own role in Arteta’s development, expressing respect for his friend and other competitors like Jurgen Klopp.

On motivating Manchester City’s players:

Guardiola highlighted the intrinsic motivation of the players and the club’s success in maintaining competitiveness over the years, emphasizing the challenges of sustaining success and the importance of the players’ internal drive.

On managing pressure games in April/May:

Guardiola acknowledged the intensity of the end of the season and the critical nature of games in that period, highlighting the importance of managing players’ fatigue and focus.

On the challenges of the March international break:

Guardiola raised concerns about fixture scheduling and player fatigue following international breaks, calling for a reevaluation of the calendar to protect players and ensure fair competition.

On looking ahead at Liverpool and Arsenal’s fixtures:

Guardiola acknowledged the quality and experience of Liverpool and Arsenal, emphasizing the need for Manchester City to focus on their own performance and give their best in every match, treating each game as a final.