Pep warns City stars not to lose focus in final crucial game
PEP GUARDIOLA has told his players they must not lose focus with Premier League glory so close.
Victory at Brighton on Sunday will see Manchester City pip Liverpool to the title and become the first side to retain it since Manchester United a decade ago.
They are favourites to make it a 14th league away win and be crowned champions with 98 points in the most relentless title race of the modern era.
But Guardiola knows Brighton will be tricky, despite Chris Hughton’s side having already ensured they will be in the top flight next season.
City have played Albion twice this term and won them both, but neither were runaway victories.
They beat them 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September and 1-0 in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley last month.
Against that backdrop, and with Liverpool hosting Wolves at Anfield in a game the Reds are expected to win, Guardiola has called for one more push from his men to cross the finish line ahead of their title rivals.
“The players are mature and know we have one more game left,” said Guardiola.
The Seagulls drew 1-1 at Arsenal in their previous league outing and Guardiola added: “Brighton got a result in the Emirates Stadium in their last game. We played them in the FA Cup, so we know how tough it will be. They are strong with set-pieces, but it’s in our hands.
“We were seven points behind Liverpool at one stage, so we’re not far away now and I’m so proud of my players.”
Midfielder Fernandinho, who has missed three games with a knee injury, could return, but Kevin De Bruyne, out with hamstring trouble, is unlikely to feature.