Leeds United provide the next test for Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing Manchester City side.
Pep Guardiola has made an early declaration about Saturday’s huge trip to Leeds United for his title-chasing Manchester City side with incredible Whites man praise and drinks advice.
City are currently five points behind Arsenal but with a game in hand and with the Gunners set to visit the Etihad in a potential title decider over the weekend of April 18.
It means City’s title destiny is in their own hands although the same is true of Arsenal - put simply both teams knowing they will win the Premier League if winning all of their remaining games.
Guardiola, though, does not envisage his side finishing the season with 11 more wins from their 11 remaining games and has already signalled a big warning about the test his men will face in Saturday’s clash at Leeds.
The City boss says he “knows” how tough facing the Whites at Elland Road will prove, serving up “incredible” praise for Whites boss Daniel Farke and advising his players to “relax” with cocktails in the early part of this week in readiness for the hard pre-Leeds graft that will await later in the week.
Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Newcastle United, Guardiola was asked about the mental courage needed in a title race and declared: “I said to them, ‘guys, what you have to do with the mental courage is take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days. Enjoy life.’
“And after that make proper training sessions and go to Leeds. That is a proper that always we did it.
"You could say now if we win here or Arsenal do that or Aston Villa and after that a slap in your face what you thought (what would happen) you get the complete the opposite.
“He is a friend of mine and I know how difficult it will be”
"Just go to Leeds. I have an incredible admiration and respect for Daniel, he is a friend of mine and I know how difficult it will be and that is what you have to do, win the next game.
"And if it doesn't go well, keep going. Never give up. Ten/11 games is a lot of games in the Premier League. A lot."
Guardiola added: "I promise you and honestly, many things are going to happen. I have the feeling we are not going to win all the games.
"I don't know why, but I have the feeling we are not going to win all the games because come FA Cup, come Champions League, troubles.
"Of course the Carabao Cup is different because after the Carabao Cup final is the international break.
"But many, many games and injuries are going to come. The best way is relax now and focus on Leeds and then we will see.
"At the end it depends on our level, how we play and it is better and better and better."
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