31 March 2023 , 21:30
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Pep Guardiola says he would swap Manchester City's title-winning experience for Arsenal's eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Despite City having won four of the last five Premier Leagues, Guardiola claimed that experience will count for nothing as the title race enters the home straight.
Guardiola said Arsenal remain in pole position to clinch the title, despite only two of their players – former City duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus – having won it in the past. "I would love to be in the position of Arsenal, rather than have the experience of winning four Premier Leagues in five years,” said Guardiola.
“I'd prefer to be in Arsenal's position in the Premier League than the one we have. The advantage is that they are eight points in front of us, this is the real advantage. The past is the past, experience doesn't count. Absolutely nothing.
“When I hear managers or players say 'I don't have to show anything, I don't have to demonstrate anything', it's the most awful sentence.
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“You have to prove it every single day - again and again and again. The past is the past. Memories when you are a grandfather? It's okay, it's nice. If people think 'I don't have to show anything' – no, you have to, again and again, otherwise you have to retire.”
Pep Guardiola would prefer current position to historic trophies (BeanymanSports)Asked if the pressure of winning a first title in nearly 20 years could ultimately get to Arsenal's young and inexperienced players, Guardiola said: “I don't think so, I don't believe in that. They have many points still to play for, many games to play, and a lot of things can happen.
“But for the consistency Arsenal have shown this season [and the fact they have] one game a week now, out of FA Cup, and out of the Europa League. With one game a week, you can have an incredible focus and you can prepare. I have the feeling they won't drop that many points.”
Guardiola will give 42-goal striker Erling Haaland until the last minute to prove his fitness for Saturday's clash against Liverpool, with the forward trying to overcome a groin issue.