Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City title fears that have been proven wrong

Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola says he is grateful to still be in the title race - after fearing his Manchester City players would "fall down" under the mental and physical strain on them.

City, who take on Brighton tonight, will be crowned Premier League champions for an unprecedented fourth successive season if they win their remaining six games. Shock defeats for Arsenal and Liverpool last weekend have left the title race in City's hands, but Guardiola said he feared his side would be out of it at one stage, because of the pressure they were under.

After their agonising Champions League exit to Real Madrid on penalties, City showed their mettle with a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, with Guardiola marvelling at his side's staying power after such a punishing fixture schedule.

"We've played a lot of games," said Guardiola. "Madrid was really intense for many things. We were out of the Champions League having done really well and, after two or three days, we were tired here.

"Not just in the legs, it was complaining more they were tired here [pointing to head]. These guys have three weeks off, one month, so not much rest to recover.

"People sitting in chairs say 'Ah, I complain'. But I defend my players, I know what I'm talking about, much, much better than the people outside.

"I know what I'm talking about, having seen my players for many years doing that. The human being does not have no limits, science says you need a certain time to recover many things, not just physically - mentally as well.

"And for many, many years, we don't give them that but, despite that, still we are there. That's why I say I'm really impressed but, all the time, I'm thinking 'They will fall down'. This time I thought it would not be possible and still they make it possible.

"That's why, when I reflect on my period here, I will always admire these type of players for many years, for finding a way to still be in it - this is unbelievable."

Image:

Despite City's reign as European champions having ended, Guardiola said he would have signed up for their current position at the start of the season.

"Yeah, I would have signed for this," said Guardiola. "At the end, we arrive in the last stages, which means you can arrive until the end or in one week you can lose all titles.

"It always happens like that. But the team again behaved unbelievably this season.

"Now, every mistake or step back makes it more difficult, but it is what it is. We've been here for the last few years, fortunately many times, so that's how we know what we are playing for."

"They [Arsenal and Liverpool] have given us a chance by losing their games, but we knew what we had to do two weeks ago - win the games to have the chance in our hands to take the title. Nothing has changed from what we should do before."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.