Guardiola says schedule cannot be an excuse in Manchester City title race

LONDON: Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City cannot point to a congested fixture list as a reason if they fall short in the Premier League title race, as his side heads into the closing weeks of the season trailing Arsenal by three points.

City, who are in second place, face a demanding run after their matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth were rescheduled to dates around the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16. The changes were made because of the club’s progress in both domestic cup competitions.

The revised calendar means City will play three matches in seven days between May 13 and 19. Their league campaign will then end with a match against Aston Villa on May 24.

City were unhappy when the updated fixtures were announced, particularly because they believed the Palace game, which had originally been set for March, could have been moved to an earlier date. Guardiola, however, said the situation comes with competing on multiple fronts in English football.

"It is what it is. When we won the treble and quadruple we always had this kind of calendar", the City manager told reporters on Friday.

"Of course it could be better but I've never expected help. We'll do that and go game by game", he added.

"If you don't like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like being here, and I've said many times, when I was at Barcelona and saw managers here complain about the schedule, it has always been like this", he further added.

City are pursuing what would be the seventh Premier League title of Guardiola’s time at the club. They are also looking to capitalise on Arsenal’s latest slip in the title race. Arsenal surrendered significant advantages in 2023 and 2024, allowing City to win the trophy in both seasons.

By the time City travel to Everton on Monday, they could be six points behind Arsenal if Mikel Arteta’s side defeat Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. However, the Everton fixture will be the first of City’s two games in hand in a title contest that could be settled by goal difference or goals scored.

Guardiola focused on City’s own task

Guardiola said the order of fixtures at this stage of the season does not alter what his team must do.

"It's normal, it's the calendar. Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind", he said.

"It is what it is and nothing changes at this stage -- you know exactly what you have to do", he added.

When asked whether he would watch Arsenal’s match against Fulham, Guardiola said he was not even aware of the kick-off time.

"What time do they play? It's after a training session, so maybe I will watch it", said the 55-year-old Spaniard.

City have already won the League Cup and now face a packed schedule as they continue their push for more silverware while trying to overhaul Arsenal at the top of the table.