Pep Guardiola names four teams who can challenge Man City for this season’s Premier League title
Pep Guardiola has named four clubs he believes will challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title this season, but Manchester United has been left off the list.
The 51-year-old stated in the first half of his press conference on Friday that he still believes Liverpool will be the club’s main rivals this season, despite the Reds being 14 points behind them.
At the moment, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are first, and many were surprised when Guardiola named Liverpool as a bigger challenger than the Gunners.
The Catalan was asked about it in the second part of Friday’s media briefing, ahead of the game against Liverpool, and while claiming that Arsenal is a contender, he explained that Liverpool’s recent success means he cannot rule them out.
“Of course there are a few teams in front,” Guardiola said. “I think Arsenal are already there after many years [they] were not there, with the patience with Mikel [who] changed not just the team but the club. This is already a factor and they are already contenders.
“Tottenham will be there and, of course, Chelsea and all the teams, and Liverpool as well,” he added. “After what happened in the last four or five seasons I will consider them, even if Jurgen [Klopp] does not agree right now. Both I consider as a contender.
“As I said before, when it’s two months left I would say it’s maybe too late [for Liverpool]. But it’s just one part of the season, there are a lot of games to play and many things can happen. Always the Premier League is fascinating because it has many teams who challenge to be champions.
“Last season, Liverpool and ourselves, we were concentrated on this chance to be champion, but why should I ignore them right now when we are still in October? In October anyone is champion and anyone is out.”
Pep Guardiola names four teams who can challenge Man City for this season’s Premier League title
