Guardiola: If we lose - it's over

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that the Premier League title race will be over if his team loses to Arsenal in the upcoming derby.

"Yes, if we lose, it's over. But with two other results, knowing that Arsenal didn't beat Bournemouth in the last round, there are still six games to go. It's a terrible calendar, we're away to Everton and Bournemouth, and at home we play Aston Villa," Guardiola said.

City's players play at home against Arsenal on Sunday at 5:30 PM, a match from the 33rd round of the Premier League.

Arsenal are first in the table with 70 points and have six points and a game in hand over City.

"I had the impression in January, when we played, that it was a decisive moment. There are moments when you don't win but you send a lot of messages to your opponents, when we played against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton. In those three games we were exceptional and we didn't win any of them. I thought we missed opportunities," Guardiola said.

"After that, with other results, the points this season are much lower compared to when we were fighting with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, partly because maybe we are not good or the opponents are better, I don't know. It's not over until it's over, we'll see what happens," he added.

Speaking about the opponent, Guardiola said that Arsenal is strong in all segments.

"In a duel, physical play, if you allow them good passes or if you are not aggressive and compact, they can create good chances. They have been leading all season, we are proud to still be in the fight, unfortunately we are not in the Champions League, but that is how it is," said Guardiola.

He was asked if winning the title would be the greatest achievement.

"No. The greatest thing has been achieved. For many players it is good to be in a position to learn, for all of us to learn for the next seasons, to be there after many, many years, after many, many trophies, to be in the race for the title is good. We are not 20 points behind. Six points is not a small amount, but we have a chance. We are in that situation. Now it depends on our behavior."

Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions League this week.

"They may not be at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far. We want to challenge them. I told the players: it's just a football match and we have to approach it that way. If emotions get in the way, you lose focus. The aim is to play well and that's exactly what we have to do and all the other aspects to face a team like Arsenal. We have confidence, we are ready," concluded Guardiola.