Pep Guardiola is a man who has been there and done it when it comes to winning the Premier League title.
Guardiola has clawed his way back into the race on more than one occasion and famously reeled Arsenal in a few seasons ago when his Man City side seemed dead and buried.
Arsenal’s disappointing draw with Wolves in midweek means City now sit just five points behind the Gunners and with a crucial game in hand.
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However, with plenty of time to go in the Premier League season, City boss Guardiola has made a glaring admission about what he’s paying attention to.
Pep Guardiola admits he isn’t thinking about Arsenal
The experienced Spanish manager has been there and done it for City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
If anyone is going to get a team over the line this season, it’s going to be Pep Guardiola.
However, while the title is the ultimate goal for Guardiola, the City boss has admitted that for him, there’s too long to go for him to even care.
“12 games is a lot, as I have said before. So, it’s only Newcastle where I’m concerned. We are concerned about the League Cup final with Arsenal when it comes,” Guardiola said.
“You will anticipate as a journalist what is going to happen, I understand. But that doesn’t count, it’s all about Newcastle. To be honest I don’t know (if City have a better chance of winning the title now than before Christmas), I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen this next 12 games.
“I didn’t speak one second about the title race or Arsenal. Yesterday and the day before it was Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle. I didn’t talk about the position. I couldn’t care less, it’s 12 games. With two games left, I can give you the answer.
“12 games is an eternity and many things are going to happen. That is the only truth I have.”
Is Pep Guardiola starting the mind games?
What Guardiola says here is correct. 12 games is a long time and ultimately, there will be twists and turns along the way for all the teams involved.
However, this does stink a bit of the Alex Ferguson mind-games and subtly dropping in comments to make the opposition take note.
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Sure, City are focused on facing Newcastle United but everyone knows their ultimate aim is to win the title and do it however they can.
Arsenal will pay little attention here but they know full well that Guardiola holds plenty of cards here.
As time ticks by, and if City close that gap to two points with that game in hand, then Guardiola’s confidence will only grow and we’ll no doubt see this battle with the media hot up.
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