Arsenal have potentially been handed a boost in the Premier League title race after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his priorities lie elsewhere ahead of the all-important run-in. Speaking prior to City’s Champions League second-leg tie against RB Leipzig, Guardiola confirmed he believes his City reign will be judged on how he performs in Europe’s biggest club competition.
City go into the round-of-16 clash at the Etihad on level terms having drawn the first-leg 1-1 on German soil. While a victory on Tuesday evening would notch up a sixth straight quarter-final appearance, Guardiola is yet to guide his side to a maiden Champions League triumph, despite experiencing domestic dominance during that time.
With each passing season, the pressure grows on the Spanish head coach to end this elusive first triumph for the Citizens. It has now been over a decade since Guardiola achieved success in this competition, a barren run that stretches back to 2011 when he lifted the trophy with Barcelona.
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“Yes,” he told his pre-match press conference when asked if success in Europe would define his tenure. “It doesn’t mean I agree with that but absolutely we will be judged by this competition. Since day one when I arrived here they asked me 'are you here to win the Champions League?' I accept it. It’s not going to change.”
This could hand Arsenal and Mikel Arteta an advantage as the Premier League season nears its conclusion. While the Gunners are also still in European action, their Europa League campaign is unlikely to impact their domestic form in a way City’s might if they put all their eggs into the Champions League basket.
Following wins for both sides over the weekend, the gap remains five points in Arsenal’s favour at the summit of the Premier League. Should City win tomorrow night, they could be faced with five additional matches to prepare for if they were to achieve European glory, all of which could take their toll on Guardiola’s side.
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