Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City feel no extra pressure as they gear up for a must-win clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday to keep their Premier League title dreams alive.
With only three games remaining, City trail league leaders Arsenal by five points but hold a game in hand. A slip-up at the Etihad Stadium could hand Mikel Arteta's side the chance to seal their first Premier League crown in 22 years when they face Burnley on Monday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola was asked whether the mounting pressure—especially after last week's frustrating 3-3 draw at Everton—was weighing on his squad. His response was characteristically calm: "Same one, two days, three days, four days ago, one week, two weeks, same one."
The City boss, chasing a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons, admitted he hadn't yet spoken to his players following the dramatic conclusion to Arsenal's 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday. The Gunners survived a last-gasp equalizer that was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check—a moment that could prove pivotal in the title race.
"I learned from my career as a manager, what you cannot control, forget about it," Guardiola said. "Focus and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting, and next it's Crystal Palace."
Palace will host Arsenal on the final day of the season, just days before their Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. But Guardiola dismissed any suggestion that the Eagles might field a weakened team. "They are so professional," he said. "Crystal Palace will play top. We saw Leeds against Spurs yesterday—how even being out of the relegation battle, how they compete."
On the injury front, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov are both "better," with a decision on their availability to be made after Tuesday's training session.
City's attention isn't solely on the league, either. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, still chasing a domestic treble after lifting the League Cup earlier this season. For a squad built on resilience and relentless ambition, every match is a battle—and Guardiola's message is clear: the fight is far from over.