Jose Guardiola thinks Arsenal will not drop many more points in the Premier League and insists Manchester City‘s experience in previous title races counts for ‘absolutely nothing’.
Mikel Arteta’s side are eight points clear of the top of the Premier League, although second-placed City have a game credit to their rivals.
City will kick off the Premier League action after the international break with a tough test at home to Liverpool on Saturday, while Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium later that day.
Many are still predicting that City will eventually catch up and overtake Arsenal in the run-up to the Premier League, but Guardiola has warned his players that Arteta’s men will be fully focused on the title race now that they are out of the game. FA Cup and the Europa League.
“I would like to be in Arsenal’s position rather than gain the experience of winning four Premier Leagues in five years,” Guardiola said.
“I would rather be in Arsenal’s position in the Premier League than the position we have. The advantage is that they are eight points ahead of us, this is the real advantage. The past is the past, experience doesn’t count. Nothing.
“When I hear managers or players say, ‘I don’t have to show anything, I don’t have to demonstrate anything’, that’s the most horrible sentence.
“You have to prove it every day, over and over again. The past is the past. Memories when you are a grandpa? It’s okay, it’s nice. If people think ‘I don’t have to show anything’, no, I have to, again and again, otherwise you have to retire.’
When asked if he felt Arsenal would struggle to cope with the pressure in the title race, Guardiola said: “I don’t think so, I don’t believe in that.
“They still have a lot of points to play for, a lot of games to play and a lot can happen.
“But for the consistency Arsenal have shown this season… now one game a week, out of the FA Cup and out of the Europa League.
“With one game a week you can be incredibly focused and prepared. I have a feeling they won’t drop that many points.’
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