We are still fighting: Guardiola’s take on title race ahead of Crystal Palace clash
By Joel Masibo, May 12, 2026Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that the pressure on City’s title challenge has not changed as the club enters the final 12 days of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
City are five points off the top of the table with a game in hand ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00 pm.
Constant pressure
Needing a win to maintain the challenge on leaders Arsenal, Guardiola says nothing has changed with three matches of the Premier League campaign remaining.
The Gunners kept the gap at the top following their controversial win over West Ham on Sunday, May 10, 2026, and the boss said the focus remains the same.
“It’s the same one as one day, two day, one week ago, two weeks ago, same one,” Guardiola said at his pre-match news conference.
Asked about his reaction to Arsenal’s win, he added: “Crystal Palace – and thinking what we have to do.
“As I always learned from my career as a manager what you can’t control, forget about it.
“[Focus] and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting and [next it’s] Crystal Palace.”
Guardiola has warned that Crystal Palace will be another test and praised Eagles boss Oliver Glasner. He has guided his side to the Europa Conference final later in May 2026 and it shows what a dangerous side they can be.
Tough game
“Always it’s been a tough game, since Roy Hodgson especially and now Oliver,” Guardiola said.
“They have reach a final, a European final. Maybe they struggled a little bit in the Premier League with a lot of changes.
“The manager is leaving, they announced it a long time ago. Maybe they are not consistent but the quality is there. The patterns are there.” He added.