Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about how his team are feeling going into the final week of the Premier League season
Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final and have announced plans for an open top bus parade.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola(Image: The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City to have the chance of winning the Premier League title in front of their own fans this week. The Blues know the race is not in their control with two games to go but victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday night will keep them alive for the weekend.
Arsenal lead by two points and host Burnley on Monday night, a fixture that looks almost as easy as it gets against a relegated size who have recently parted company with their manager. Guardiola said that he would of course 'take a look' at the match but his priority would be preparing for a Bournemouth game that City are coming into short of training time after playing in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.
Winning helps City spirits going down to Bournemouth but their legs will be tested against a home side looking to confirm European football football for next season, while also playing their last match at the Vitality under the departing Andoni Iraola.
"We have three days, they had 10 days to prepare that game and they play to qualify for the Champions League so there is an argument for them to be the best version of Bournemouth; I'm pretty sure that's going to happen," Guardiola said.
"When you arrive in the last fixtures playing for something important and the opponent does not play for anything it is easier. But this is not the case tomorrow, I'm pretty sure they have had 10 days just thinking on us. But it is what it is. Teams who play in Europe in the latter stages always play in different conditions but we are used to it.
"Chelsea had a week to prepare the FA Cup final, we had three days. We prepare in the best way, knowing exactly what we have to do. It's not complicated - we have to win and win for hopes for the last game against Aston Villa.
"All we want is to be with our people in the last game to try to fight. To extend until Aston Villa, we know exactly what we have to do and that is win at Bournemouth."