Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared that the “real season starts now,” signaling a fresh phase in the Premier League title race as his side looks to close in on leaders Arsenal.
City made a statement before the recent international break, narrowing the gap to Arsenal to just four points. Their 3-0 demolition of reigning champions Liverpool came just after Arsenal dropped points in a 2-2 draw at Sunderland, giving Guardiola’s men renewed momentum.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on the Gunners. While acknowledging Arsenal’s impressive start, he cautioned that the campaign is still in its early stages and nothing is decided in November.
“The feeling that I had in the past when we fought incredibly against Liverpool, I had the feeling that we’ll not drop many points and if they can take a lot of distance it will be difficult to catch up,” Guardiola reflected. “It was similar with Liverpool last season,” when City secured the league title with games to spare.
Guardiola, who has already lifted six Premier League trophies with City, outlined his view that the season essentially has two distinct phases: one before and one after the summer transfer window and the subsequent international break. “Now the international break is done, so we’ll be together until March, see each other every three days, four days. Now the real, real season starts,” he said.
For Guardiola, the focus is simple: remain in close contention and ensure that the squad is well-positioned to fight for the title until the final match. “The important thing is to be there, to be close there and after that arrive at the end of the season with the chance that we can fight for it. That is the target and of course winning tomorrow would be an important step for us,” he added.
City will look to exploit Newcastle’s current struggles at St James’ Park, with a win potentially bringing them to just one point behind Arsenal. However, Guardiola will have to manage without key midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri. “Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri,” he said. “Rodri is making steps good — it’s almost three weeks since his last setback. He knows he has to take time to recover well mentally and physically and to be consistent from now until the end.”
As Manchester City prepare for this critical run of fixtures, Guardiola’s words underline the challenge ahead: staying close to Arsenal while navigating the long, grueling Premier League season, where every point could prove decisive.
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