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Premier League most important of three titles Manchester City is chasing, says Pep Guardiola

It would be easy to be distracted after City destroyed European powerhouse Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday to win their Champions League semi-final 5-1 on aggregate

Kalvin Phillips watches as Jack Grealish does shooting practice. Twitter

Reuters
Manchester | Published 21.05.23, 05:33 AM

Treble-chasing Manchester City can tick the first box by capturing their third consecutive Premier League title this weekend in what Pep Guardiola said was the most important and difficult of the three trophies to win.

"The Premier League is the most important competition because it's over 10, 11 months. We are lucky to be at home with our people to take it," Guardiola said at a news conference ahead of Sunday's game against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

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"The last one is the most difficult, because there are a lot of emotions. We would not forgive ourselves if we became distracted."

It would be easy to be distracted after City destroyed European powerhouse Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday to win their Champions League semi-final 5-1 on aggregate.

They have two more trophies to play for with the FA Cup final coming up versus Manchester United on June 3 and the Champions League final a week later in Istanbul. A triumph in the European showcase would be their first.

Asked if his team had calmed down since Wednesday, Guardiola said: "Calmed down? It's non-stop, the most difficult thing (is coming). Tennis players say to serve to win Wimbledon is the most difficult one. On Sunday the game is in our hands."

While City have won 11 consecutive Premier League games and are unbeaten at the Etihad Stadium in 19 straight stretching back to mid-November, Guardiola said the run of success comes from consistently rising to the occasion. He expects no different this weekend.

"Emotions are many things," the Spaniard said. "We cannot be distracted.

We have done it against the big teams at home. We feel we are strong, confident with our people."

Pep Guardiola Manchester City Premier League
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