Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confessed that he would prefer a much more comfortable cushion at the top of the Premier League standings rather than the current tight race. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 26, 2025, ahead of his team’s Saturday trip to Nottingham Forest, the Spaniard acknowledged the pressure of the ongoing title battle.
Manchester City enters the weekend in second place, trailing leaders Arsenal by two points while holding a slim one-point advantage over third-placed Aston Villa.
The Citizens can reclaim the top spot, at least temporarily, if they secure a victory in the early kickoff at the City Ground. Despite the slim margins in the league, Guardiola expressed satisfaction with his squad’s involvement in multiple elite competitions as they enter the final days of the year. Beyond their domestic title pursuit, the club remains a strong contender in the Champions League, has secured a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Newcastle United, and prepares to begin their FA Cup campaign in early January.
“I’d prefer to be 10 points clear of everyone, but it is what it is. Arsenal’s doing really well but we are there. We’re still in the end of December. In the Champions League, we are up there and Premier League we are there, Carabao Cup semi-finals, we start the FA Cup soon,” Guardiola said.
While Arsenal continues to set the pace under Mikel Arteta, Manchester City’s relentless form keeps them within striking distance. Guardiola’s remarks highlight a tactical focus on maintaining presence across all fronts rather than fixating solely on the gap in the standings. As the festive schedule concludes, the City manager expects his players to maintain their high standards to ensure they remain in the hunt for a historic trophy haul in 2026.
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