The manager revealed he will ‘sleep like a little boy’ on the eve of his side’s game at Brighton and Hove Albion, where City just need to match Liverpool’s result against Wolves to be crowned champions for a second consecutive season.
The eyes of the world will be watching both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s teams, who, separated by a single point, are in a winner takes all scenario, but the Catalan admits his delight at being in such a position outweighs any pre-match tension.
“I’m so happy,” he said with a smile.
“No nerves at all. I was nervous before the Liverpool game at the Etihad when we were seven points behind with five months still to play.
“I said: ‘Oh, if we lose today it will be so difficult in the last months.’
“But now, no way. I’ll sleep like a little boy. It’s a dream, a privilege, I love it.
“The whole of Europe will be watching us, because all the other leagues are done and there are no top four or relegation issues in the Premier League.
“Our incredibly fans are coming to support us, dreaming to win the Premier League again.
“It’s a joy. I will say to the players before the game ‘go out there and play like you have done for the last two seasons. Be yourself and whatever happens you have been incredible.’”
That said, Guardiola also explained he does not feel the need to say too much to his players before kick-off.
With so much at stake many could be forgiven for expecting a rousing speech immediately before City take to the pitch at the AMEX Stadium, but such is the squad’s mentality, the manager does not feel that will be necessary.
“I don’t have to say anything to motivate them,” he added.
“After tomorrow my speech will be zero. They want to win the Premier League and I’ve seen that in the training sessions.
“We know we can lose it. This game is unpredictable, as we saw in the Champions League quarter-finals, that’s why it’s amazing.
“But we want to win it. So we are going to go out at 3pm in Brighton and try to win the game.”
