I’ll play golf, Guardiola avoids Man Utd clash
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will play golf rather than watch Manchester United’s game against West Brom today despite knowing his side could win the Premier League title.
City, who beat Tottenham 3-1 on Saturday, will be crowned champions if United lose at Old Trafford. “The only score I want to know is bogey or birdie,” said Guardiola, who will play with his son.
“I think United will win. We depend on us.” Manchester City hold a 16-point lead over second-placed United, who have six games to play compared to City’s five.
If United beat bottom club West Brom, they must also avoid defeat at Bournemouth on Wednesday to prevent City winning the title.
City face relegation-threatened Swansea at Etihad Stadium on April 22.
“Will I hear the scores? Bogey, double-bogey, birdie,” said Guardiola. “The important thing is to have the chance to win at home. I am delighted to have the chance to win in front of our people.”
City let slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 in the Manchester derby on April 7, when victory would have clinched the title. was criticised for missing chances in the defeat by United and Gabriel Jesus and an Ilkay Gundogan penalty put City 2-0 up against Spurs at Wembley, and Raheem Sterling sealed victory after Christian Eriksen scored against the run of play.
England forward Sterling has scored 17 league goals this season and 22 in all competitions, at least twice as many as he has previously managed in a season.
The 23-year-old, who has been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, also wasted opportunities against Spurs before smashing home from close range in the 72nd minute.
“The moment Sterling increases his goals, he will be one of the best players in the world because he has everything,” said Guardiola. “He is young and he is able to do it,” Guardiola added.