As Pep Guardiola gets his team ready to play Brentford following a painful 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he stated on Monday that Manchester City must accept the greater expectations that come with years of success.
The outcome at the Etihad on Saturday put a stop to an 11-game winning streak that started in December at the FIFA Club World Cup.
With a game remaining against both of their rivals, it put the Premier League’s triple winners from the previous season in third place, four points behind leaders Liverpool and two points behind Arsenal.
On a day when Erling Haaland squandered several good opportunities, Guardiola’s team was thankful for a late equalizer by Rodri as they dominated more than 70% of the possession and 31 shots against Chelsea.
Nevertheless, the City manager denied feeling pressure from Arsenal and Liverpool, who were playing well, telling reporters in the pregame press conference that he was happy with his team.
“The last 15 games, we won 13 and we drew two, and the two we drew we played to win the game,” he explained.
“I know the standards we have created because of what we have done in the past,” he said. “I completely understand people’s doubts,
“I am more than satisfied with what I am witnessing. We were more than passable overall, however, I must give respect to Chelsea for causing issues.
“I understand that maintaining our standards is difficult, but you demand them based on prior actions, and I know what our standards are. We did that for a very, very long period. We may not have it easy for 11 months, but we are here.”
After winning trophies for so many years, Guardiola was questioned if the pursuit of perfection was the price of success for his team, which is attempting an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title.
“Yes,” he responded. “I experienced such experience with my former teams, most notably Barcelona.
“Go for it; it’s an honor, but it won’t have any impact. It’s normal, but we must keep trying what we know how to do. Although I know it’s impossible, I’m the first to urge that the teamwork for ninety-five minutes.”
In response to rumors that members of the France captain’s entourage had spoken with City officials, Guardiola was questioned about Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe has communicated his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid is anticipated to be his next stop.
“I believe he’s pretty good,” Guardiola remarked sarcastically. “He’s got the future. He is exceptionally talented.”