Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola has claimed that his team cannot win the English Premier League this season, thereby handing the title to Arsenal, especially in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat to city rival Manchester United....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Speaking at full-time, Guardiola appeared to concede that Manchester City cannot retain the league title. In his words, “I don’t care about the EPL and the Carabao Cup; we cannot win.” “We won a lot, so it’s not a problem.”
As much as I would love to admit that Pep Guardiola is being honest about the current City squad and would also agree that they are not up to their level this season, something that has been evident in their last few games, I would also strongly assert that Arteta should not take Pep’s declaration to heart.
It will even be a mistake for Arsenal at large, or Arteta, to accept that City are out of the title race. In fact, everyone knows that City has what it takes to win the trophy regardless of the difference in points between them and leaders Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta should understand that mind games are also a strategy used successfully by many coaches and footballers. And I strongly believe that Pep is about to use it (mind games) to his advantage.
I believe one of his goals is to make Arsenal relax and feel comfortable while also launching a stern attempt to overtake them.
It will be wise for Arteta to focus on what he has been doing and pay no attention to whatever noise his competitors are making. Otherwise, he could affect them and their title charge.
