Pep Guardiola adamant Manchester City 'will fight until the end' in title race

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
Manchester City boss Pep GuardiolaAction Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media ahead of this weekend's clash with West Ham United.

After a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, City turn their attention back to the Premier League title race as they head to the London Stadium on Saturday night

Guardiola’s side won 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium at the end of December but have since slipped seven points behind leaders Arsenal as they desperately try to catch up. 

City have no second chances

Speaking first on the Madrid loss, Guardiola said it’s important to focus on the big game ahead against The Hammers.

“I don't know we will see, tomorrow night is important for the Premier League. We are used to these situations. 

“We won or lose? We won or lose at Newcastle? So the selection was good. All the time we are making decisions and I think a lot about what is best for the team. 

“It is a pleasure to be here. It is nice. We arrive in the last ten games and everyone is playing for something. Now there is no second chances.” 

Guardiola will fight until the very end

When asked if Erling Haaland was okay to start, Guardiola responded with “yep” before moving on to if his team’s mentality has changed in the final stage of the season as they cling on to their chance at lifting silverware. 

“When you win a lot of titles every game is important. We will fight until the end. A lot of travel we can't play the same XI. 

“I am not thinking about what we have won. My mind is (on) West Ham. I understand you ask about Madrid, but I focus on West Ham and Nuno.” 

Is the Premier League the best in the world?

Lastly, Guardiola moved on from his own side and touched upon the Premier League's struggles in Europe. Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and of course City failed to pick up points, which he says

"It is not the first time it has been hard. It is not the first time but I will argue about the team selection, and we lost.

"Before England was the best league in the world, we were the best but after what happened in midweek we are not. I am sure we are an incredible league. In this, it is a one-off game. Nobody was talking about Norway but now Bodo is amazing.

"I have an opinion about Madrid and there will be changes. We could do better. In the first half before the goal, we played exceptionally - we were a threat. Then the goals come and the quality of Valverde it was a completely different game.

"We conceded a penalty which I am sorry it was not. We had a clear chance for Nico O'Reilly but Thibaut Courtois made an incredible save."

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