Pep claims main focus is still on Champions League
BOSS PLAYS DOWN TALK OF RECORDS ON WINNING TITLE
“EVERYBODY is always asking this question, you are the fifth journalist to ask the same question,” said Pep Guardiola as he sat down after seeing his City team beat Stoke to move another step closer to the Premier League title.
The derby is on everyone’s lips and the prospect of City topping off an emphatic Premier League campaign – arguably the best ever – by winning the title against their city rivals is too good to ignore.
Guardiola, though, is doing a good job of seeming more interested in other things.
The manager has already spoken a number of times about living the season with his players and enjoying the moments as they come along.
Becoming the first team to beat Stoke home and away seemed to mean a lot.
On the horizon too, beyond United, is the Champions League.
It hurt when City were knocked out of a competition Guardiola loves in Monaco last season, earlier than he has ever said goodbye to it.
This season they are guaranteed to have a better run at it, having progressed to the last eight by beating Basel over two legs.
And while City fans understandably have eyes fixed on the derby, Guardiola is looking to the Champions League to try to pick up a third trophy of the season.
“The important thing is that on 12th March we have 81 points, that is a lot of points.
“We want to be champions.
“We need three wins, but maybe we are able to do it with two (if we beat United).
“But before and after United, we have the [Champions League] quarter finals, and at the moment that is the most important thing to focus on.
“I understand for the fans, ok, but the important thing is to be Champions: when, where doesn’t matter. To motivate my players is really easy. “We are not champions yet, and when we are, we must carry on and face the Champions League quarter-finals. “There are always goals to pursue, statistics to get, and we will carry on for next season. “There is always room for improvement to correct mistakes and that is what we’ll do.” David Silva produced another masterclass, giving the coach another opportunity to eulogise about his abilities. “In nine or 10 years here, he has the skills and ability, normally this kind of player with this ability, you can say he’s not a fighter, doesn’t help the team defensively. “But today he showed he’s a good example of modern football – that you have to play both sides of the ball – both qualities.”
Today he showed he’s a good example of modern football
Pep Guardiola on David Silva