Pep Guardiola has made it crystal clear: Manchester City won't be using their packed schedule as a crutch if they fall short in the Premier League title race. With the season entering its decisive phase, the City boss is keeping his focus squarely on the pitch.

Currently sitting second, Guardiola's side trail Arsenal by three points. But the road ahead just got a bit more congested. City's rescheduled matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth now bookend the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, creating a grueling three-game week from May 13 to 19. The League Cup winners will wrap up their campaign against Aston Villa on May 24.

There was some frustration behind the scenes when the new dates were confirmed—particularly with the Palace fixture, originally slated for March, which City felt could have been rearranged sooner. But Guardiola isn't one to dwell on what he can't control.

"It is what it is," he told reporters on Friday. "When we won the treble and quadruple, we always had this kind of calendar. Of course it could be better, but I've never expected help. We'll do that and go game by game."

The Spaniard even offered a blunt perspective for those who might complain: "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."

City are chasing their seventh Premier League crown under Guardiola, and they know exactly what it takes to capitalize on Arsenal's stumbles. The Gunners have famously blown substantial leads in both 2023 and 2024, allowing City to swoop in and lift the trophy. History, it seems, could be repeating itself.

By the time City travel to Everton on Monday, they could be six points behind if Arsenal beat Fulham on Saturday. But that match at Goodison Park will be the first of City's two games in hand in a title race so tight it might come down to goal difference or goals scored.

"It's normal, it's the calendar," Guardiola added with a shrug. "Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind."

For City fans and neutrals alike, the message is clear: no excuses, just football. And in a season this tight, every game feels like a final.