Guardiola added: “The rivals are really, really good defensively when we talk mainly about the next opponent.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has echoed sentiments expressed by British broadcaster and former striker Gary Lineker, admitting that this season’s Premier League (EPL) title could be decided by “goal difference“.
The Spanish tactician shared these thoughts ahead of his team’s crucial league encounter with relegation-threatened Burnley on Wednesday night.
The Citizens could move to the top of the table if they beat the Clarets, but they would be level on points with Arsenal.
This means that if both teams win all their remaining league fixtures, the champions would be decided by the margin of goals scored.
Previously, Lineker had suggested that the race was far too tight to call on points alone.
“It’s not impossible that it’ll come down to goal difference; it is extremely close,” the former England international remarked during a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
ALSO READ: Gary Lineker predicts EPL title will be decided by goal difference
However, Guardiola has warned his players not to obsess over the scoreline, but rather to focus on their performance on the pitch.
Asked if the title race could come down to goals scored and conceded, the Man City gaffer said: “Yes, absolutely. It can happen, but you cannot be distracted by trying to score a lot of goals.
“It would be unbalanced, and without balance we’re going to concede a lot. It’s the same question.
“I have the feeling the opponents are going to score a lot, I’d say.
“The rivals are really, really good defensively when we talk mainly about the next opponent.
“So we have to try to go there [Turf Moor], do what you have to do to win. It’s the same thing [as] before Arsenal: What is the game plan, what do you have to do to play? Not the consequences.”
