Tribal Football

Guardiola says it is tougher "mentally and physically" for Man City in the title race

Guardiola
GuardiolaREUTERS

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media as he prepares to face Burnley on Wednesday night.

City will look to move to the top of the Premier League table on Wednesday night as they travel to Turf Moor to take on relegation candidates Burnley

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Guardiola’s side beat title rivals Arsenal 2-1 at the weekend, cutting the game to just 3 points which means if City win, they will climb above The Gunners. 

Man City cannot lose focus

Heading into the game, City are clear favourites to pick apart Burnley and Guardiola first spoke on focusing ahead of the clash where many have tipped the game to be a goal fest. 

"We talked immediately after the game, do not lose the focus. Arsenal is top of the league and right now, they would be the champions. 

 "The recovery is much less than the last two weeks. It's just two days. That is why I have to see how people are recovering. 

"It's a demanding game we had, both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going to happen, when we get the result or if we don't get the result." 

How are City coping mentally?

City are unbeaten in each of their previous 19 meetings with Burnley and have accumulated more away points than any other Premier League team since the start of December. 

Guardiola, who certainly knows how to keep composed in a title race, was next asked about the physiological aspects the final stretch of the season. 

"Both teams know what happened in the past. Both teams know they cannot lose or drop points. It will be difficult to recover. And our calendar is so demanding, especially when we have a game coming up against an opponent (Everton) that is really, really tough. 

 "It is more difficult (for the side chasing), mentally and physically. What happened after Arsenal, we have to go to Burnley and perform at the level we have to do." 

Finally, the City boss provided a short piece of team news as he confirmed Rodri and Ruben Dias will miss Wednesday's game as he rotates his side once more.

"I think for tomorrow he will not be ready. We will see for the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton."

On Ruben Dias' fitness: "He is not ready yet."

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