1/4/2024–|Last updated: 4/1/202405:51 PM (Mecca time)
It seems that Spaniard Pep Guardiola was not satisfied with his team’s performance against Arsenal – yesterday – in the Premier League, which ended in a goalless draw, and this was clear from his discussions in front of the cameras with more than one player.
In the press conference that followed the match, one of the journalists asked him about the solution he had to adopt to break through the dense defensive wall of the sons of Spanish coach Mikel Arteta and prevent Man City from posing a threat to the goal, as Guardiola’s sons only shot once between the three sticks.
Guardiola jokingly replied, “We kill one of Arsenal’s players so they can play with nine players.”
He continued, “They were able to stop Haaland, and we had to be patient to find the accurate and decisive pass, because they were defending well, and they pressured us in our areas and relied on high pressure.”
He added, “I appreciate what my team did. We pressed hard against a tight defense, and Arsenal played an exceptional match with distinguished technical work and a very good performance from the players.”
He explained, “It is possible to ask another coach the same question. We could have achieved more, but I am satisfied. I told my players not to be sad, and the effort made by Arsenal must be appreciated.”
Guardiola explained, “The leader (Liverpool) remains the first candidate to win the title, Arsenal is the second candidate and we are third, so the matter is not in our hands.”
The Spanish coach added, “Our current focus is on preparing to face Aston next Wednesday at our stadium. We were the closest favorites to the title when we were in the lead, and that is no longer the case. The matter is simple.”