Pep Guardiola warns Man City players as they prepare to take on West Ham United in the final matchday of the season. The match will undoubtedly determine the winner of the league title between the Cityzens and Arsenal.
A victory for Manchester City will secure them the league championship, while any other outcome will present Arsenal with the opportunity to claim their first league title in two decades. Hence, Pep Guardiola’s team could not risk losing points at this pivotal juncture of the season.
Recently, the Cityzens have won the league in a dramatic way on the final day. In 2014, they won the league after defeating West Ham United on the final day. Similarly, in 2012, they needed Sergio Agüero magic moment to win the same title and the recent dramatic moment was against Aston Villa in 2022.
“It will be the same on Sunday for us against West Ham,” Pep Guardiola said ahead of the final league match. “We will feel the pressure. Look at Aston Villa a few seasons ago, 2-0 down 15 minutes to go, Sergio Agüero against QPR, went to 93 minutes. It is normal. That is why we talk and say everyone has to relax themself and do what they have to do, that is all.”
According to Guardiola, it is important for the Manchester City supporters to be present in the stadium to exuberantly support the team with their vocal enthusiasm. At the same time, the Man City players must exhibit the best performance and give maximum effort to win the match.
“We know what we’re playing for. The tension is there, the rival is so good. It’s why it is difficult, we know that. Everyone come to the stadium and make noise,” he said.
“These games are more difficult but you have to do it. We’ll have one day off, two days to prepare, and then we will do our best.”
Manchester City has the potential to conclude the season as champions of both the Premier League and the Emirates FA Cup. Securing victories against West Ham United and Manchester United in the FA Cup final would be enough to secure these prestigious titles.