Guardiola: No Room for Losing Points, This is What I Told the Players After the Win Against Arsenal
Tuesday 21-04-2026
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared at a press conference to speak about tomorrow's match against Burnley in the 34th round of the English Premier League at Turf Moor.

The coach said: "The body language has been in the right place for many months. Every player feels that the mistake is their own, so we don't blame much and try to move forward. I know what I am talking about because when people win, they talk about mentality. I said it after Sunday's match, if Kai Havertz had scored with a header in the last minute when we didn't defend well, what would have been said about the team's mentality? I know very well they would have said we lack calmness and are not an experienced team. People talk about Arsenal hitting the post twice, and we also hit the post. The chances were equal. The match was very close, and small differences decide many things."

He added about the performance of Bernardo Silva and Rodri: "In recent matches, they have been very important. Both have great experience and a strong personality within the team. They are no longer young players, but experienced players who have played many of these matches and know how to play them. They were exceptional against Arsenal. We must not forget that we played 16 or 17 months without Rodri. Success belongs to the team, but a large part of it depends on the quality of the players you have."

On the importance of the mental aspect in the title race: "Both teams know what happened in the past and know that points cannot be lost. Compensation will be difficult, our schedule is very busy, especially with an upcoming match against a strong opponent like Everton. It is harder for the chasing team, mentally and physically. After the Arsenal match, we have to go to face Burnley and present the required level."

He continued about the competition with Arsenal: "This shows how strong and consistent Arsenal is. It is a match to try to reach the same number of points with them. We spoke directly after the win against Arsenal and said: Do not lose focus. Arsenal is the league leader, and if it ended now, they would be the champions. The recovery period is less than in previous weeks, only two days, so I must see how the players recover. It was a physically and mentally tough match, but at the same time, we have six matches left, and we know exactly what will happen depending on the results."

On the readiness of Rodri and Ruben Dias: "I think Rodri will not be ready for tomorrow's match. We will see his condition before the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Ruben Dias is not ready yet."

Regarding John Stones' future: "There is nothing new. The only thing I can say is that he has returned to training with us, and this is the best news."

He concluded about the future of defender Vitor Reis, who is on loan to Girona: "He moved there because he perhaps did not have many options to play here at his age. He has matured as a player and faced the best attackers in Spain, which is not easy. The people in Girona are very happy with him. We will make a decision regarding his future at the end of the season."

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