Pep Guardiola: Sunday’s game with Arsenal will not decide the title. What does the City coach expect from the Premier Leauge showpiece?

Pep Guardiola does not consider the upcoming game against Arsenal to be decisive in the fight for the Premier League title. According to him, the result will affect the atmosphere in the team and the preparation for the next matches rather than the position in the table. Last season, the two teams faced each other in two close matches, with Arsenal winning in London and then drawing at the Etihad Stadium. Even then, those results didn’t decide the title, which Guardiola says is also true for the upcoming duel.

• Guardiola expects the Arsenal game to affect the team’s mood more than the title table
• Kevin De Bruyne still unsure due to injury, Phil Foden already ready for full 90 minutes
• Arsenal have a very solid defence, which always makes games against them challenging

Ahead of the upcoming game against Arsenal, Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne’s health remains uncertain. The Belgian midfielder was injured during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Inter and the medical team has advised him not to continue.

Guardiola believes his condition is improving, but a decision on his participation will be made after Saturday’s training session. “Kevin is feeling a little better but he is not quite ready yet,” the Spanish strategist noted.

De Bruyne’s absence could affect City’s offensive performance as the Belgian is one of the key playmakers. However, Guardiola may deploy other midfielders to fill the gap in the team’s creative attack. For example, the returning Foden.

Guardiola delighted with Foden’s return

Foden is in fact returning to the line-up after an extended absence. After a delayed start to the season due to his participation in EURO 2024 and subsequent illness, Foden rejoined the match against Inter.

Guardiola was delighted with his return and considers him one of the best players in the team. “Phil had a fantastic season last year and now he is fighting for a place in the squad again. His intensity and movement are some of the best in the world,” the Manchester City coach said.

Arsenal’s defensive strength

In any case, Guardiola stressed that Arsenal’s defence poses a big challenge for City. Arsenal are known for their solid defensive line led by Gabriel and William Saliba, who excel in clashes with the forwards. They have only conceded one goal in this Premier League season.

“They have very strong defenders and are quick in their transitions into attack. It is difficult to overcome them because their defensive organisation is of a high level,” Guardiola said. Arsenal also have players who make great use of open spaces and create constant pressure on the opposition defence.

However, Guardiola is looking forward to the challenge and believes that every game, whether against Arsenal or other opponents, is an opportunity to improve. “Every game is a chance to play better than the previous one. When the opponent plays well, it gives you the opportunity to improve,” concluded the City coach. You can watch the full press conference on the club’s official website.

Source: Manchester City, X