Pep Guardiola: Man City manager insists his players do not have a mentality issue as they chase down Arsenal | Football News

Pep Guardiola insists he is responsible for Manchester City’s form and does not believe his players have any mental problems as they look to close Arsenal’s eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

City take on Tottenham at the Etihad on Saturday night, live on Sky Sportslooking to put pressure on the Gunners again after losing the race last weekend.

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Spurs in the north London derby followed City’s 2-1 loss at rivals Manchester United to put the distance between the two sides and make it the second straight defeat for Guardiola’s side following their Carabao Cup exit to Southampton.

The dip in form has caused psychological problems in the City squad, but Guardiola is not convinced that this is the case.

“People wonder why City aren’t at the top of the league, but that’s what happened,” the City boss said. “There are teams that have been fantastic so far and that’s not a problem, it’s accepted that other teams are better, but what can we do?

“The only way, don’t wait for what will happen, try to win the game and play better. I don’t think about the mentality because you see the game against United and before against Chelsea (1-0 win). We did well.

“We always have confidence. When we lose a game, we tend to say that we don’t run, we tend to have a mentality, or we don’t have a fight. But maybe there are tactical reasons that I don’t help them. I have to find something to help the team to be better because I responsible person.

“People don’t wait, they expect me to find a way to win games. If not, it’s ‘Pep Out’, this is how we work and I want to ‘Pep In’ and stay here.”

Pep: I never relax during the title race

City are trying to become just the fifth English club to win three consecutive league titles, while Arsenal are aiming for their first since 2004.

The Gunners have lost just once in the league after 18 games, while City’s defeat at Old Trafford was their third, but Guardiola insists there is still plenty of time for his players to close the gap.

“I want to fight for all the titles and the Premier League. There are 60 points left and many difficult games left for everyone. We will fight, but we can lose,” he said.

“I never relax even when I’m eight points ahead. Before the game, during the game, never.

“Better [to lead by eight points]. You can drop points and still have them. If you are eight points behind, you cannot drop points.

“The pressure is on the next game. We can’t think about expectations unless we win the next game. If Arsenal are eight points ahead because they are solid, good in all departments and deserve to be there.

“We’re used to being there and winning, winning, winning, but we’ve been in this position a lot.”

Pep: Conte creates problems for everyone

Tottenham next travel to Manchester on Thursday with their bid for Champions League qualification failing after three wins from nine Premier League games.

Spurs have played fewer games than fourth-placed Manchester United, but can count on a new record against City. They did the double of last season’s champions and have won four of the past five league meetings, while head coach Antonio Conte is one of the managers with a winning record against Guardiola (W3 L2).

“Antonio creates problems for everyone, not just me,” Guardiola said. “He beat me a lot. He had an incredible philosophy and was successful everywhere with Siena, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter and the national team.

“This is because he is a good manager. All good managers always have a good squad, if we are successful, we have a good club and I would say that we have this concept. We have a good team, this is a big challenge. good and a very good team.

On the challenge ahead of Tottenham, he added: “Spurs have always been a tough opponent for quality, over the years. This year is no exception.”

De Bruyne is available for City after missing training

City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is available for the match at the Etihad after missing a training session for personal reasons this week.

The Belgian playmaker was conspicuously absent as TV companies filmed some of City’s preparations for the game, but Guardiola confirmed there was no serious problem.

“He had personal problems and was unable to train, but today he is back,” said the City boss, before adding that centre-backs John Stones and Ruben Dias could also return after recent injury breaks.

“He’s back. He’s been training hard in the last two sessions.

Watch Manchester City vs Tottenham live Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm on Friday; kick-off at 8pm.