NO AG ONY... IT’S JUST ANOTHER GAME

Pep wants no repeat of 2012’s Aguero thriller, he just wants a stress-free Sunday afternoon

PEP GUARDIOLA has urged his players to avoid a repeat of Manchester City’s nerveshredding maiden Premier League title win.

A decade ago, they looked to have blown their chance, before Sergio Aguero’s iconic goal in added time against QPR saw them snatch the title at the death from local rivals Manchester United.

City need to beat Aston Villa at home tomorrow to clinch a fourth league title in five years, with Guardiola calling for cool heads when the pressure is on.

The City boss wants a stressfree afternoon at the Etihad Stadium and tried to ease the pressure on his players by playing down the significance of tomorrow’s fixture.

“I said to the players, it’s just a football game, focus on the football game,” said Guardiola.

“Don’t think of the consequences, how happy we will be if we win or how sad we will be if we lose. Forget about it, it’s just a football game and just think about what you have to do to win against Aston Villa.

“If you think about it being one more title or one less title – yeah this kind of thing is important, everyone knows it – but it’s a football game.

“So do they play with Ollie Watkins or Danny Ings, or just Watkins?

“Does Douglas Luiz play as a holding midfielder or as a three, or not, will John Mcginn move outside or not?

“This is what we have to handle tomorrow.

“These kinds of things are what we have to think about if we want to win the game, with our people.

“As a club, we’ve not been here many times in our time, so once we’re here, should we be anxious or nervous? No, no way. Go there and try to enjoy the game, enjoy the moments.

“We will suffer in moments. If we concede a goal, come on, let’s go, try again, try again and the good moments continue and then do it.

“From my experience, this is the best way to approach these situations.”

Guardiola, 51, is a creature of habit and said he will stick to the same routine with his players ahead of the title showdown that could cement their status as the best team in the country.

“We will do exactly what we’ve done for the last few months,” said Guardiola. “We’re not going to do something different.

“Everyone will be at home with their families the

night before the game and the morning of the game we will be here two or three hours before. We know what we’re playing for.

“The players are human beings, they have feelings and anxiety for the fact that maybe we’re not winning or didn’t score. That’s normal.

“We spoke about that. Maybe we have to live something uncomfortable, but what can you do? React in the best way possible, be positive and don’t give up.

“In football, you think it’s over – and it’s not over.

“Just don’t give up, do exactly what we’ve done in the last few months with the games we’ve played and go for it.

“When we have doubts, go to the plan to beat Aston Villa.

“It’s not necessary to tell them about the importance of the game.

“They know it, they feel it and, yeah, just go out there and do it.”