Guardiola announces start of ‘real season’ as Man City edges closer to Arsenal

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Pep Guardiola has insisted that “the real season starts now” as Manchester City look to chase down Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
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‎City cut the gap after a commanding 3-0 win over reigning champions Liverpool, while Arsenal slipped up in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland before the international break.
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‎Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Guardiola was asked about the potential momentum swing created by those results.
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‎A victory over Eddie Howe’s struggling side would move City to within a single point of Arsenal, who face Tottenham the following day.
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‎The City manager acknowledged the importance of not allowing the “impeccable” Gunners to build a significant lead, but stressed that the campaign is still at an early stage.
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‎“In the past, when we were competing intensely with Liverpool, I always felt neither team would drop many points. If they get too far ahead, it becomes very difficult to catch them,” he said.
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‎“It was the same last season with Liverpool,” he added, referencing their title win with four games remaining.
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‎Guardiola, who has lifted the Premier League trophy six times with City, said nothing will be settled in November.
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‎“There are two phases in the season: the period after the summer transfer window and the one that begins after the international break,” he explained.
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‎“Now that the break is over, we’ll be together until March, playing every three or four days. This is when the real season truly begins.”
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‎He emphasized the importance of staying close to the league leaders:
‎“The key is to be there, to stay within reach, and then arrive at the end of the season ready to fight for the title. Winning tomorrow would be a big step.”
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‎However, City will travel to St James’ Park without midfield duo Mateo Kovacic and Rodri.
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‎“Everyone is fit except Kova and Rodri,” Guardiola confirmed. “Rodri is progressing well ,it’s been almost three weeks since his setback.
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‎He knows he needs time to recover fully, both mentally and physically, so he can stay consistent for the rest of the season.”