“We are used to it, we want it”, says manager
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed concerns about the team’s packed schedule. The Spaniard insists his squad are ready for the challenge as they aim to regain momentum in the Premier League.
City lost 2-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday, a fourth defeat of the season that left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
It means Guardiola’s side have a lot of chasing to do, but he is confident the team can continue pushing while playing eight games in 26 days, including five league matches, two Champions League ties, and a League Cup quarter-final against Brentford.
“We are used to it,” said Guardiola. “We’ve won trebles and quadruples playing this way. We want it.
“The trebles and quadruples came from playing on Saturday and Tuesday, then Tuesday and Friday, and Friday and Sunday. It’s not a problem.”
Last season Guardiola’s side finished trophyless, the only time that had happened since his first season in 2016-17, when they also went without silverware. They finished third last term, three points behind Arsenal in second place.
