Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stressed the need for his side to adapt during a demanding May schedule, as they pursue Premier League leaders Arsenal and prepare for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
City currently sit three points behind Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand. However, the north London club could extend their lead to six points this Saturday when they host Fulham before City next play at Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton on Monday.
Guardiola’s men face a gruelling run of six matches in three weeks this month, including the FA Cup final on 16 May, but Guardiola is in no mood to offer his team any excuses as his side try to chase down a domestic treble after winning the Carabao Cup in March.
“Arsenal are in the Champions League semi-final, so it is what it is,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday, addressing the congested fixture list.
“When we won the treble, we had a similar calendar, but I learned a long time ago not to expect anything different. We have to adapt and take it game by game.”
With the title race poised to go down to the wire, City’s margin for error is minimal.
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by their upcoming opponents, stating: “In recent weeks, Everton have had very good results and are fighting for a place in Europe. We can’t have any result but win, win, win.”
Guardiola also provided encouraging updates on midfielder Rodri and defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, though he indicated the trio might not be ready for the Everton fixture.
“He (Rodri) is getting better. He still didn’t train with us, so we will see in the next days,” Guardiola said, adding he is “always confident” about the midfielder’s return.
“Ruben is not yet with the team. Him, Josko and Rodri are getting better,” Guardiola added, ahead of another pivotal weekend in the title race.
