Pep Guardiola: Securing victories is the ultimate goal for Manchester City
By Joel Masibo, April 23, 2026Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphasised that securing victories is the ultimate objective after Manchester City edged Burnley 1-0 in a hard-fought Premier League clash on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The City manager expressed his satisfaction following the narrow success at Turf Moor while also acknowledging that the demanding encounter against Arsenal just days earlier appeared to take a toll on his squad both physically and mentally.
Early breakthrough
An early breakthrough from Erling Haaland, who struck inside the opening five minutes, turned out to be the decisive moment of the match. Despite registering 29 attempts on goal, that solitary strike was the only one City managed to convert.
According to Guardiola, the outcome carried greater significance than the performance itself, particularly as the triumph lifted his side above Arsenal to reclaim top spot in the Premier League standings for the first time since August 2025.
“Winning is the main target,” said Pep. “Considering the last three days and the emotion and physicality in the game we played, we made an extraordinary game. The chances we created, we could score more goals, but the important thing is winning every game. Five games in the Premier League for both teams, and we see what happens.”
“We had chances. We have to win the games, but it was clear, clear, clear. We were not “umph” in the last part of the shots” he added.
Guardiola suggested that tiredness likely affected the team’s finishing, noting that extending their lead would have allowed his players to settle and play with greater calmness in attack.
“Sometimes it’s the fatigue. I had the feeling if we score at 2-0, it will be more relaxed, and we could be more composed in the final third. It is not easy, as they defend with a lot of players.”
“In terms of what I asked of the team and their focus, they have been extraordinary. We played really, really good.”
Maintaining mentality
He went on to stress that while results are vital during the closing stages of the season, the same mentality should be maintained throughout the entire campaign.
“I completely agree that winning is all that matters, but not just in April, in September and October and November. We have to win at any cost, yeah, but we have to do something.”
“Run and jump and pass and shoot. That is what we work on day by day. Even today we didn’t think about the consequences and what would happen if we were top of the league or not. Know what you have to do to beat Burnley [and we did that].”
City now head into the final stretch of the Premier League season knowing that maintaining their winning momentum will be crucial as the title race intensifies.