Guardiola Unfazed by Arsenal's Slip in Premier League Title Chase
Pep Guardiola claims he is completely indifferent to Arsenal's recent slip up which has reopened the door for Manchester City in the Premier League title battle.
Manchester City, under Guardiola, faced the risk of being overtaken by Arsenal due to their own patchy performances that positioned the Gunners at the top.
However, Arsenal's costly draws versus Wolves and Brentford have given the second placed City team a vital boost.
City now trail Arsenal by only five points, with an extra fixture to play and a crucial home clash against Mikel Artetas squad scheduled for April.
Should City secure victories in their last 12 outings, they would clinch the championship for the fifth occasion in six seasons.
That said, Guardiola refuses to get ahead of himself with this prospect.
His attention is squarely on the upcoming home game against Newcastle on Saturday, where a victory would narrow the deficit to Arsenal to just two points ahead of the Gunners north London showdown with Tottenham on Sunday.
"I have not mentioned the league standings or our spot in it at all. I truly do not care," Guardiola stated to journalists on Friday.
"That topic has not crossed my mind for even a moment. Only Newcastle matters right now, Newcastle and nothing else.
"Save this query for when just two or three matches remain, and I will respond then. With 12 games still to go, it feels endless."
With six trophies already in his decade long stint at City, Guardiola is well aware that the closing stages of the campaign often deliver surprises.
He has witnessed Arsenal squander big advantages in both the 2023 and 2024 races, paving the way for City to claim victory at the last moment.
"Plenty of developments will unfold before the season wraps up. Right now, its Newcastle, followed by recovery and then Leeds. This approach has never changed," he added.
"Seventy percent of our squad consists of fresh faces, lacking the know how to navigate these high stakes moments. True experience comes from triumphing in the next match alone. That is all it takes.
"Arsenal held a nine point lead when we still had a fixture to spare, so once everyone has played the same number, that is when gaps will become clearer.
"I get that you are eager to predict outcomes early. But that means nothing. Newcastle is the sole focus."
On another note, Guardiola emphasised that tackling racism is a broader societal duty, extending beyond the confines of football.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid accused Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during their Champions League encounter this week.
The game was halted per UEFA guidelines after Vinicius reported the incident following his goal celebration.
"We have much more to achieve. This issue permeates society as a whole, not solely the sport. Racism exists in all corners," Guardiola remarked.
"Do you think it is limited to skin colour? Behaviour defines racism too.
"It arises when someone acts superior to others for various unfounded reasons."