Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City cannot afford any mistakes as the club chase down Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
City are second in the Premier League table, six points behind the table-topping Gunners with a game in hand. Guardiola’s side appear to have found their form ahead of the run-in, with the club’s midweek thrashing of Bayern Munich extending their record to nine consecutive wins in all competitions.
Guardiola believes the knowledge that his side can not afford a mistake can be used as motivation and focus ahead of the run-in.
“Everybody knows that if we lose it is over,” Guardiola told his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s fixture with Leicester this weekend.
“That is the best way to compete. In every football action, the players are feeling that they have to win a due or win an action because if not they will lose.
“That is where you have the best [chance]. I have doubts about whether experience counts a lot for next time.”
Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool last weekend means the Premier League title picture is now in City’s hands. City boast a better goal difference than the north Londoners and face Arsenal later this month, though Guardiola was keen to ensure his team focus on one fixture at a time.
“The reality is we are six points behind. There is no guarantee that we will win the game in hand against the best team in the world in Brighton. There is no team better in modern football to bring the ball from the keeper to the last quarter.
“Then we have Arsenal at home. There is no guarantee. To be close, we need to win. When the games are tied, we will see the reality.”
