Pep Guardiola says he “couldn’t care less” about Arsenal’s recent slip in the Premier League title race, despite the stumble handing Manchester City renewed hope.
Second-placed Manchester City have closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points, with a game in hand and a crucial home clash against the Gunners scheduled for April.
Arsenal’s damaging draws against Wolves and Brentford have reopened the title contest after City’s earlier inconsistency had put Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in control.
If City win their remaining 12 matches, they would secure a fifth Premier League crown in six seasons. But Guardiola is refusing to look too far ahead.
“I didn’t talk about the table, or our position or something like that. I could not care less,” Guardiola said.
“It’s 12 games left, it’s an eternity.”
City host Newcastle United on Saturday, knowing victory would cut Arsenal’s lead to two points before the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
Guardiola, who has won six league titles in his 10 years at City, cautioned that many twists remain.
“Many things are going to happen until the end of the season. For now it is Newcastle… It has always been like that,” he said.
“Arsenal were nine points ahead when we had a game in hand… When everybody is on the same games played then we will see the difference.”
Racism concerns
The City boss also addressed racism in football, saying it remains a broader societal issue.
His comments followed allegations by Vinícius Júnior that he was racially abused during a Champions League match. The game was paused in accordance with UEFA’s anti-racism protocols after the Brazilian forward reported the incident.
“Racism is everywhere,” Guardiola said.
“You pretend that racism is just for the colour of the skin? How you behave is racism. It’s how you pretend you are better than the other one.”
