Pep Guardiola: City Must Win Out to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Guardiola calls for Man City focus during packed May fixtures

Manchester City sit 3 points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, facing Everton and Brentford next before six matches in three weeks.

The title race remains tight as City prepare for a run that includes the FA Cup final on May 16...

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City must adjust to a busy May as they push to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal and get ready for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Sitting three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, City travel to Everton on Monday and host Brentford the following Saturday. Arsenal play Fulham on Saturday and could stretch their lead to six points before City are back in action.

With the FA Cup final against Chelsea set for May 16, City face six matches in the next three weeks.

“Arsenal are in the Champions League semi-final, so it is what it is,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday when asked about the demanding run-in.

“When we won the treble, we had a similar calendar, but I ⁠learned a ​long time ago not to expect anything different.

“We have to adapt and take it game by game.”

City have little room for mistakes with the title race set to go down to the final weeks.

Press conference:

🆚 Everton (A)
🏆 @PremierLeague
🎙️ @PepTeam
▶️ Watch live: https://t.co/ocDeol6Agj pic.twitter.com/GKZ9rIeXgE

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 1, 2026

“In recent weeks, Everton have had very good results and are fighting for a place in Europe,” Guardiola said.  

“We can’t have any result but win, win, win.”

 

Six games to go! 👊 pic.twitter.com/bMnh5oCVh1

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 1, 2026

Guardiola gave positive updates on Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol, but said the trio might not be available for the Everton game.