Guardiola fears players could ‘fall down’ in frantic finale

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have to be perfect and win their last six games to claim a record fourth consecutive title despite the manager’s concerns that his players “might fall down” at any moment due to fatigue.

City travel to Brighton this evening four points off Arsenal at the top, with two games in hand. On Saturday Guardiola’s side reached a second consecutive FA Cup final, beating Chelsea 1-0 to stay on course to win a double-double. But afterwards, Guardiola complained about scheduling after Wednesday’s 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.

Arsenal have since beaten Wolves and Chelsea to return to the top of the Premier League. Speaking before Liverpool’s loss to Everton last night, Guardiola was asked if City have to be perfect to retain the title.

“Yeah, absolutely. [Liverpool, Arsenal] have given us a chance by losing their games [against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, respectively] but we knew what we had to do two weeks ago – win the games to have a chance in our hands to take the title. Nothing has changed from what we should do before.”

After beating Chelsea, Guardiola joked that his players would be “in the fridge” on Sunday and Monday to rest before facing Brighton. “We played a lot of games. Madrid was really intense for many things, we were out of the Champions League having done really well and we were tired.

“Not just in the legs, more they were tired [in the head]. These guys have three weeks off, one month [in the summer], not much rest to recover. People say: ‘Ah, I complain.’ But I defend my players, I know what I’m talking about, much better than the people outside.

“Science says you need a certain time to recover, not just physically – mentally as well. And for many years we don’t give them that but still we are there [competing]. That’s why I say I’m really impressed but all the time I’m thinking: ‘They will fall down.’”

Erling Haaland remains injured and is not available for his side’s trip to the Amex. “It’s not a big issue,” said Guardiola of City’s leading scorer who has a muscle problem.