Manchester, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola remains focused on clinching the Premier League title this Sunday, brushing off questions about his team’s likability.
Manchester City is on the verge of securing an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title. A win against West Ham at Etihad Stadium on Sunday would seal the deal. During a press conference on Friday, Guardiola was caught off guard when asked, “Do you think people like your football team?” This question arose amidst the club’s dominance and ongoing legal battles over more than 100 charges of financial misconduct.
Guardiola responded with a chuckle and a blunt remark before elaborating. “I don’t know what people think,” he said. “I don’t go knocking on every door. But if you asked all Premier League teams at the start of the season what the best position for the last game would be, they’d say ours. One game left, destiny in our hands, to win one game to be champion—every team would like to be in our position.”
City leads Arsenal by two points heading into the final match of the season, eyeing their sixth league title in eight years. “Will it be easy? Absolutely not,” Guardiola admitted. “We’d love to be 3-0 up after 10 minutes, but that’s unlikely to happen.”
If City falters, Arsenal could snatch the title by defeating Everton at home. The Premier League has prepared for either outcome, with identical trophies ready in both London and Manchester for Sunday’s simultaneous kickoffs. Historically, the team leading on the final day tends to maintain its position.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, while focused on beating Everton, expressed hope that West Ham might deliver a surprise victory over City. The Gunners have not won the league since their historic “Invincibles” season in 2004. Arteta acknowledged that everyone at Emirates Stadium, from fans to staff, would be anxiously checking City’s score throughout the match.
As the season finale approaches, the tension mounts, with both teams and their supporters eagerly awaiting the outcome that will determine the champion.
