Pep Guardiola: Focus is on Bournemouth
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that his side is concentrating entirely on their upcoming Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, instead of paying attention to results involving title challengers Arsenal.
City are scheduled to visit the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening, May 19, 2026, just a day after Arsenal defeated Burnley in a crucial league encounter. With only five points separating the leading sides in the table, Guardiola acknowledged that he would rather have the title battle fully within City’s control heading into the closing stages of the campaign.
Maintaining focus
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Even so, the Spaniard explained that his attention remains fixed on preparing his squad for a demanding fixture against a Bournemouth side still chasing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Addressing the media before the match, Guardiola said: “Normally it’s nice to have the feeling that it’s under control but in the beginning as a manager I was more anxious. Now I just focus on us to prepare, which players are training and which players we have to use, which will have a good impact from the bench,” Guardiola said.
The encounter will also mark Antoine Semenyo’s first return to Bournemouth since his January 2026 move to Manchester City. The Ghanaian forward recently played a decisive role in City’s FA Cup triumph after scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Chelsea at Wembley.
Guardiola expressed optimism that Semenyo can once again rise to the occasion despite the emotional challenge of facing his former teammates and supporters.
Speaking about the forward, the outgoing Manchester City boss said: “I didn’t speak with him. Hopefully fine and in a good mentality.
“It’s not easy to sometimes come back to a place where you are appreciated and had good performances with his old mates and staff.
“Hopefully he knows what we are playing for.”
Away from the pitch, Manchester City are also preparing for the first public event inside the newly expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium. The event forms part of the club’s phased opening process, with more than 3,500 supporters expected to attend if the venue successfully passes its operational tests.
