Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared that the “real season starts now” as his side looks to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City reduced the deficit to four points before the international break with a commanding 3-0 victory over reigning champions Liverpool. Arsenal, meanwhile, dropped points in a 2-2 draw at Sunderland, giving City a chance to gain momentum in the title race.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Guardiola stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Arsenal.
“The feeling I had in the past when we fought incredibly against Liverpool was that we would not drop many points,” he said. “If they take a lot of distance, it becomes difficult to catch up. It was similar to Liverpool last season.”
The City boss, who has guided the club to six Premier League titles, emphasised that nothing is decided this early in the season.
“There are two parts of the season: when the transfer window ends in summer and after the international break,” Guardiola explained. “Now the international break is done, so we’ll be together until March, seeing each other every three or four days. Now the real, real season starts.”
Guardiola added that the team’s objective is to stay in contention at the top and be prepared to fight for the title until the final weeks.
“The important thing is to be there, to stay close, and then arrive at the end of the season with the chance to compete. That is the target. Winning tomorrow would be an important step for us,” he said.
A victory at St James’ Park would bring City to just one point behind Arsenal, who face London rivals Tottenham the following day.
The manager confirmed that midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri will miss the Newcastle clash.
“Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri. Rodri is making good progress. It’s been almost three weeks since his last setback. He knows he needs to recover properly, both mentally and physically, to be consistent until the end of the season,” Guardiola said.
