Although Manchester City is four points behind leaders Liverpool going into their Premier League match against Brentford on Tuesday, manager Pep Guardiola stated on Monday that his team is not under any more pressure as the fight for the championship heats up.
With a game remaining, City, who have won their past nine league games, are currently in third place with 53 points, four points behind champions Liverpool and two behind Arsenal.
Following their 1-1 home draw with Chelsea on Saturday, City lost the opportunity to take the lead in the standings.
Read Also:Man City did not perform at their best level in Chelsea draw – Guardiola
However, they can now move up to second place by defeating 14th-place Brentford, who defeated them at home last November 2022.
The Spaniard said, “No,” to reporters when they questioned if treble champions City were under pressure. Every game is the same in terms of pressure.
“In general, we were more than decent against Chelsea but I know our standards — it is not easy to sustain those for a long, long time, but we have done it.
“If we had 3-0 against Chelsea, the fire would be the same to win this next game.”
Guardiola stated that despite the high expectations surrounding them, City’s primary emphasis is still on the pitch.
“People demand from us … We have to live with that. We know how difficult it is,” the former Barcelona boss said.
“I have had this experience in my previous clubs, 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.”
Guardiola maintained that City is still in the running for the championship and expressed his satisfaction with his team’s efforts this year.
“Since we lost to Aston Villa, we have won our games and been better but I can’t guarantee anything — but we are still there,” he said.
“I understand completely the doubts from the people, but what I’m seeing, I’m more than satisfied.”
Due to injuries, City will be missing defender Josko Gvardiol and winger Jack Grealish.