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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called the opportunity of fighting in all competitions in March a ‘privilege’ ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.
The Blues are still competing on four fronts in the final months of the season, being five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand, having also progressed to the FA Cup fifth round, UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and Carabao Cup final.
City are searching for a sixth victory on the trot against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, having maintained their fine run of recent form with a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road at the weekend.
Erling Haaland missed the trip to Yorkshire and Nico O’Reilly went off with an ankle knock, with late decision pending on the pair’s availability against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
After a poor January that saw doubts circle over Manchester City’s title prospects, the Blues have turned a corner as they stake a claim for silverware on four fronts in the run-in.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of another crucial midweek Premier League game, Guardiola was asked about the challenges of squad rotation when City are amidst a quadruple chase. “Listen, the privilege to be in March – and we are in the competitions – so (it’s) a dream,” Guardiola said on Tuesday afternoon.
“Again, except last season – like we fought to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, in the FA Cup final and UEFA Champions League, we were out, and (in the) Carabao Cup, we were out, so we are there (this time). So, its our privilege.
“It’s try to okay, knowing that 10 games left (in the Premier League season), final (FA Cup fifth round) next Saturday against Newcastle, two games against (Real) Madrid, if you win you continue; (if) you don’t win, holidays in that competition. So, it’s good to be here. Prepare the game for tomorrow. All I’m concerned about is that.”
Guardiola is aiming to spearhead a new-look, young dressing room to silverware in the backdrop of a trophyless 2024-25 season that preceded a major revamp of the first-team squad – orchestrated by director of football Hugo Viana.
There remain question marks over Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium and whether the Manchester City manager will honour the final year of his current deal, which is set to expire next summer.
However, the former Barcelona manager will be instructing his player to stay laser focused at their targets in the business end of the season. City are in it to win it and after a disappointing 2024-25 season, Guardiola will be desperate to correct the record this time round.
City need to win every game that comes their way in the league run-in to keep up the pressure on an Arsenal side that has displayed frailties in the last month but will also take some stopping – having picked up London derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea in their recent Premier League fixtures.