Pep Guardiola: Man City manager insists his players do not have a mentality issue as they chase down Arsenal

Pep Guardiola insists he’s chargeable for Manchester City’s kind and does not assume his players have a mentality issue as they look to shut Arsenal’s eight-point lead on the prime of the Premier League.

City tackle Tottenham on the Etihad on Thursday evening, stay on Sky Sports, trying to apply stress on the Gunners once more after dropping floor within the race final weekend.

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Spurs within the north London derby after City’s 2-1 loss at rivals Manchester United created a long way between the 2 groups and was the second defeat in a row for Guardiola’s facet following their Carabao Cup exit to Southampton.

That dip in kind has prompted speak of a psychological downside inside the City squad, however Guardiola is not satisfied that’s the case.

“People wonder why City are not top of the league, but it happens,” the City boss stated. “There is a crew who has been incredible thus far and that is not a downside, it’s accepted that the opposite crew is healthier, however what do we have to do?

“The solely means, is not ready what they are going to do, attempt to win our video games and play even higher. I do not assume it’s about mentality since you see the sport towards United and the earlier one towards Chelsea (a 1-0 win). We did actually, rather well.

“We all the time had perception. When we lose a recreation, the tendency is all the time to say we do not run, the tendency is the mentality, or there is no such thing as a struggle. But perhaps there’s a tactical cause the place I did not assist them. I have to seek out one thing to assist the crew to get higher as a result of I’m the person accountable.

“People do not wait, they expect me to find a way to win games. Otherwise, it’s ‘Pep Out’, this is how our jobs work and I want ‘Pep In’ and to stay here.”

Pep: I’m by no means relaxed throughout title race

City try to turn out to be solely the fifth English membership to win three consecutive league titles, whereas Arsenal are aiming for his or her first since 2004.

The Gunners have misplaced simply as soon as within the league after 18 matches, whereas City’s defeat at Old Trafford was already their third, however Guardiola insists there’s nonetheless loads of time for his players to shut the hole.

“I want to fight for all the titles and the Premier League. There are 60 points left and many tough games left for everyone. We are going to fight, but we can lose,” he stated.

“I’m never relaxed even when I’m eight points in front. Before a game, during the game, never.

“It is healthier [to lead by eight points]. You can drop factors and nonetheless be there. When you’re eight factors behind you’ll be able to’t drop factors.

“Pressure is the next game. We can’t think about expectations except winning the next game. If Arsenal are eight points ahead it is because they are solid, good in all departments and deserve to be there.

“We are used to being there on a regular basis and successful, successful, successful, however we have been on this place earlier than many instances.”

Pep: Conte creates issues for everybody

City’s subsequent opponents Tottenham head to Manchester on Thursday with their bid for Champions League qualification faltering after a run of three victories in 9 Premier League video games.

Spurs have performed fewer matches than fourth-placed Manchester United however can take confidence from their current document towards City. They did the double over the champions final season and have gained 4 of the previous 5 league conferences, whereas head coach Antonio Conte is one in all solely a few managers to have a successful document towards Guardiola (W3 L2).

“Antonio creates problems for everyone, not just myself,” Guardiola stated. “He beat me a lot. He has an incredible philosophy and has had success wherever he has been with Siena, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter, and the national team.

“That is as a result of he’s a good manager. All good managers all the time have a good squad, once we have success we have good golf equipment and I might say we each have this idea. We have good groups, it’s a huge problem, he’s a good manager and his groups are actually good.

On the problem Tottenham will pose, he added: “Spurs have always been a tough opponent for the quality, for all the years. This year is not an exception.”

De Bruyne accessible for City after lacking coaching

City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is out there for the fixture on the Etihad after lacking a coaching session for private causes this week.

The Belgium playmaker was conspicuous by his absence when a TV firm filmed a few of City’s preparations for the sport however Guardiola confirmed there was no severe issue.

“He had a personal issue and could not train but today he is back,” the City boss stated, earlier than including centre-backs John Stones and Ruben Dias may additionally return after current harm layoffs.

“They are back. They have both trained really well in the last two sessions. They are in contention.”

Watch Manchester City vs Tottenham stay on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm on Thursday; kick-off 8pm.

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