Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Brentford are an “exceptional” team – but sees Tuesday’s clash as an “opportunity” to reign in their rivals in the Premier League title race.
The reigning champions hosts the Bees for a 7.30pm kickoff that was originally scheduled for December, but had to be rearranged as Man City were competing in the Fifa Club World Cup.
Guardiola’s side lost ground to leaders Liverpool and Arsenal after drawing with Chelsea on Saturday, but they can leapfrog the Gunners and go within one point of the Reds by winning their game in hand.
But the Catalonian coach is not expecting a walkover against Brentford, who have beaten Man City twice since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
“We created a lot against Chelsea when lately few teams created chances against them but it doesn’t make tomorrow easier because the games against Brentford in the past have always been so difficult,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.
“They are exceptional for the way they play. But it is an opportunity to go one point above Arsenal in second and be closer to Liverpool.
“I don’t know if we’re going to win the Premier League but we are still there and this is why we continue. We have to continue to improve and focus and be in the title race.”
Guardiola added that his side ar more than capable of dealing with the high expectations on them as they chase down a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
“People demand from us because we are the only team to have achieved what we have achieved,” he said.
“We have to live with that. We know how difficult it is. It’s you who believes it is easy, not us.
“I have had this experience in my previous club, especially Barcelona. It is an honour. We know what it is and we have to continue doing what we are doing.
“It is about how we behave and perform – and I am the first to demand it [perfection] for 95 minutes, knowing it is impossible.”
