Be calm and keep going, Pep Guardiola urges Man City
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Pep Guardiola will be aiming to build on the 3-1 win over Everton as his side seek to move up the Premier League table.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, with all his expertise and experience, knows exactly what to do in his quest to win a sixth English Premier League title in seven seasons.
The Spaniard should be not too worried despite his team falling to fourth in the standings, five points behind leaders Liverpool but having played a game fewer.
Following a run of just one win in six league games, City went to Saudi Arabia and won the Club World Cup before coming back to beat Everton 3-1 on Dec 27.
Guardiola was grateful for the mini-break, saying it helped his team to pull themselves together and refocus, and he reiterated on Dec 29 that focus is key if City want to win the league again this season.
Speaking ahead of their home league game against Sheffield United on Dec 30, he said: “We lose a game and we out of the title race and we win a game and we are there. Anything can happen.
“We have to be consistent. The lower teams in the bottom, they do get results. Let’s not give up. (We have to do it) game by game. It (outside noise) is what it is. Inside we have to be calm and keep going.”
With their title ambitions back on track, City are huge favourites against bottom-club Sheffield.
They have never lost a league game against their visitors, winning eight of 11 and claiming victory in the last six.
Sheffield have also not scored in five Premier League away games against City, and have lost their last nine league matches against reigning top-flight champions.
Furthermore, City have lost the final league game of the calendar year only once in the last 22 – winning 11, drawing 10 and losing to Liverpool in 2016.
It would be a big shock if Sheffield can get a positive result, but Guardiola is wary as usual.
“What was in the past were a few problems against Sheffield and it will be so, so tough,” he warned.
“They defend so, so deep and play long balls... We try to be focused to get our results. Don’t make mistakes.”
City remain without the injured Erling Haaland, while John Stones has been ruled out after an ankle issue in the win over Everton. Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are close to full fitness.
Chris Basham, John Egan, Tom Davies and Daniel Jebbison are sidelined for Sheffield.
In their last three games, Chris Wilder’s men lost 3-2 to fellow strugglers Luton Town, drew 1-1 with Aston Villa, and suffered a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.
Sheffield are also now winless in their previous six away games in the Premier League and the Etihad would be the last place they would want to play at.
“It doesn’t (get any easier) but we have to dust ourselves down and go again,” said Wilder.
“We’re playing Man City away in the Premier League at the Etihad. One of the best teams in the world. I shouldn’t have to motivate (my players) or anything.
“Playing Man City, top team, we’re there to go and play and be part of it.”
