Guardiola: 'The Premier League is most important'
"On Sunday, Man City has the right to decide to win the most important tournament," Guardiola said on May 19 in a press conference before the 37th round against Chelsea. "The Premier League is the most important because it lasts 10 or 11 months, week after week."
Since the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest on February 18, Man City have won all 11 Premier League matches to fill the eight-point gap and take the top spot of Arsenal. Man City currently has 85 points, four points ahead of Arsenal, and will officially defend the title if they beat Chelsea at Etihad on May 21.
If they don't win against Chelsea, the Manchester club will look for opportunities in the round 32 match at Brighton Stadium on May 24, or the closing round at Brentford on May 28. The match against Chelsea in round 37 is an opportunity for Man City to take the throne and celebrate the title in front of the home audience.
Guardiola stressed that Man City are "lucky to have the opportunity to be crowned at home" and must beat Chelsea to celebrate the title with the fans. The Spanish coach recalled that Man City defeated Aston Villa 3-2 at the Etihad in the final round of last season to win the title with one point more than Liverpool.
Even the championship could be decided sooner, if Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest a day earlier. However, Guardiola does not want this scenario to happen. "I like that Man City must win to be champions," he said. "Here's what we have to think. We can't control Nottingham, and we have to do our part."
Man City are the only club in Europe that can win three major trophies this season. After the Premier League closes, they will play the same city club Man Utd in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on June 3, then close the season with the Champions League final against Inter at Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey Turkey on June 10.
"The Champions League is the most difficult title because there are so many emotions. We won't forgive ourselves if we get distracted," Guardiola said. "Every win helps the next. Winning the Premier League as soon as possible helps us prepare better for the FA Cup and Champions League finals."
In the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid 4-0 in midweek, Kevin de Bruyne loudly yelled at Guardiola "shut up, shut up" after a situation where the ball was lost. The 52-year-old coach said he liked such reactions because it showed great energy and revealed he was even yelled at by De Bruyne during many training sessions.
