Pep Guardiola has a simple message for his Manchester City players ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale against West Ham: "Relax, and we'll lift our fourth consecutive title."
City's 2-0 win at Tottenham on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half brace from Erling Haaland, moved them back ahead of Arsenal, putting the title race in their own hands for the final showdown. Guardiola emphasized the importance of staying calm, reflecting on both their own past experiences and Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend. "We need to learn from our past and Arsenal's game. If you're focused on the consequences, you'll lose the Premier League," Guardiola explained.
He highlighted the human aspect of the players, acknowledging the pressure they feel. "Even Arsenal struggled against Manchester United because they knew a loss would cost them the title. It's normal to feel the pressure."
Guardiola reminded his team of past dramatic moments, such as the 2021-22 game against Aston Villa where they were 2-0 down with 15 minutes to go, and Sergio Aguero's legendary 93rd-minute goal against QPR in 2011-12. "These experiences show why it's crucial to stay relaxed and focused on doing your job."
No matter how Arsenal performs against Everton, City will clinch the title by beating West Ham. "We know what we're playing for," Guardiola said. "The tension is high because our rivals are so good. It's difficult, but that's why everyone needs to come to the stadium and make noise. These games are tough, but we have to do it."
"We'll have a day off, then two days to prepare, and we'll give it our best," Guardiola added, emphasizing the importance of preparation and support from the fans.
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