Pep Guardiola says treble-chasing Manchester City aren't worried about gruelling schedule - 'It's the best way to live'
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Published 02/05/2023 at 15:25 GMT
Treble-chasing Manchester City could face 11 games in just over a month as they bid to win the treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup - but boss Pep Guardiola insists his side are not worried about a hectic fixture list. Just three days after leapfrogging Arsenal into top spot with a win over Fulham, the Citizens are back in action on Wednesday when they host West Ham.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists he is not worried about his side’s hectic schedule from now until the end of the season and believes the players have the “mental strength” to thrive.
Table-topping City – who are in Premier League action against West Ham on Wednesday – are bidding to win the treble having reached the Champions League semi-finals and the FA Cup final, but could face 11 more games between now and the end of the campaign in just over a month's time.
"I'm tired, but not tired in my legs like the players," said Guardiola.
"There is one more month and a week for sure - [and] we fight for two weeks more. We play this way for six or seven years, we are used to it. It's not the only time we've played six or seven times in one month. It's the best way to live."
City are on a run of 14 wins in 16 matches and leapfrogged Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with their 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.
"Everything is here and the mental strength is there," added Guardiola.
"If a player is tired, then someone else plays. We are not tired. If you have positive thoughts you are not tired. Now is an opportunity, with just six games left. We have to recover and go for it.
"If one player is tired then hands up - and if not hands up then you're ready to play for your mates."
City will play Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3 and could be back in action a week later in Istanbul if they beat Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
First, though, is a home match with Premier League strugglers West Ham, who are just four points adrift of the relegation zone.
"Maybe they haven't done as well as they expected because last year under David Moyes they were exceptional but the quality is there," Guardiola said.
"Set pieces they are maybe one of the best, scored three against Crystal Palace, [Michail] Antonio attacks the channels. The weapons are there. The team is there, I don't have any doubts. In one game, anything can happen so we have to be ready."
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Meanwhile, Guardiola admits that Man City are surprised by the levels set by Erling Haaland, who netted his 50th goal of the season at the weekend.
One more Premier League strike will take the Norway international ahead of the record set Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s 34.
“It’s a surprise for all of us, maybe not for him because he’s done it in a different league. He does it for the success of the team,” said Guardiola.
“Of course it’s good for him and the team - it’s a good sign, the magnitude of the record and it’s not been broke for a long time. All will be broken one day. I’m pretty sure he’ll score more in the Premier League from now until the end of the season.”
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