Pep Guardiola made it clear he had no intention of offering Mikel Arteta any guidance during the Premier League run-in as Manchester City look to pip Arsenal to the title. They could close to within two points of the leaders with victory at Leeds on Saturday, ahead of the Gunners’ home clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Arsenal have led the way throughout the campaign, with City enduring a troubled start following significant summer changes after their deflating collapse last year. Yet they’ve shown considerable resilience and, following a January wobble, have steadily eaten into the deficit in recent weeks to build genuine momentum heading into the final stretch.
Guardiola’s squad may no longer be considered certainties to string together a commanding winning run, though they boast a manager with multiple title triumphs to his name, facing a rival still chasing his first top-flight championship.
Arteta, whose only league titles as a coach came at City as Guardiola’s assistant, faces mounting pressure to deliver further silverware at the Emirates, having twice been overhauled by City in title races.
City’s manager was invited to reflect upon his own experiences of winning the league at Barcelona, potentially shedding some light on the predicament Arteta faces in pursuit of his maiden league crown.
Guardiola swiftly dismissed the notion, however, remarking: “I don’t remember. I’m not here to give advice to Mikel.”
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City’s fixture list has been further complicated by their ongoing involvement in cup competitions.
Following an FA Cup last-16 clash at Newcastle in a week’s time, they travel to Real Madrid in the Champions League before hosting the Spanish giants just days ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
“It helps for our club,” Guardiola said of the Champions League draw. “As much as we play against the best teams in the history of the competition you learn and improve and will be better in the future.”