And the boss says the chance to lift what would be a fourth Premier League title in five years would amply demonstrate the way our battle for supremacy with Jurgen Klopp’s side has pushed us to our absolute maximum.
City resume our Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle United on Sunday as we return to action for the first time since last Wednesday’s agonising Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid.
With four games of the season remaining, City’s destiny is in our own hands. The Champions sit level on points with the Reds, following their 1-1 draw with Tottenham, with the advantage of a game in hand.
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Asked at his pre-match press conference whether he feared our European exit could potentially cloud our remarkable domestic achievements in the eyes of some, the boss pointed to the way we had been pushed to new heights this term in the Premier League.
“When people say (to compare) the Premier League or Champions League, both are awesome. They are top,” Guardiola asserted.
“The Champions League is so nice, so attractive, so emotional.
“The Champions League is like when Sergio Aguero scores the 93:20 goal. The Champions League is like that in the quarter final, the semi-final and the final. It’s incomparable.
“The emotions – what they give the Madrid fans, I am jealous of. When Sergio scored that goal a decade ago, wow, what a moment. This is the Champions League.
“But, on the other side, the Premier League, I have said many times (it’s about) the work you do every day.
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“A father and mother wake up every morning to go to work to bring food at home for the kids to grow up and go to school. This is the Premier League.
“It’s (about) consistency, every day, every day and I like it a lot.
“Especially because we have been fighting an extraordinary team for the past three or four years.
“I think that hopefully we push them and they push us to be our best and to our limits.
“Being there (fighting for the Premier League) is great - it’s fantastic.”
Guardiola also spoke passionately once again about the pride and desire he enjoys in being the leader and figurehead for the Club.
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And he also reiterated how the belief and togetherness engendered within the Club from the top right through to our incredible supporters underpinned his own work.
“I am the manager and speak for the Club and I am here every three days,” Guardiola added.
“Listen, every single word I said in my press conferences - even if people don’t believe me - every word I said is because I truly, truly believe it.
“I defend the club and the people it’s because I work with them.
“When people say something or accuse us, I ask them to tell me about that and I say to them if you lie to me the day after I am not here. I will be out, and you will not be my friend any more.
“So, I put my faith and I believe them 100 percent since day one. They do the best for our people, especially our fans.”
