Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists his side will keep fighting in the Premier League title race despite a difficult week that included a heavy defeat in Europe.

City travel to face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday night, turning their focus back to domestic matters after a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in midweek.

Guardiola’s side had beaten West Ham 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in December, but they now sit seven points behind league leaders Arsenal as the campaign approaches its final stretch.

No room for second chances

Reflecting on the defeat in Madrid, Guardiola stressed the importance of quickly moving on as City prepare for a crucial run of league matches.

“I don’t know, we will see. Tomorrow night is important for the Premier League,” Guardiola said.
“We are used to these situations. All the time we are making decisions and I think a lot about what is best for the team.

“It is a pleasure to be here. We arrive in the last 10 games and everyone is playing for something. Now there are no second chances.”

City will fight to the finish

Asked whether star striker Erling Haaland would be fit to start, Guardiola confirmed he is available before emphasising the importance of mentality in the final weeks of the season.

“When you win a lot of titles every game is important. We will fight until the end,” he said.
“There is a lot of travel and we cannot play the same XI every time.

“I am not thinking about what we have won before. My mind is on West Ham and Nuno.”

Premier League debate

Guardiola also addressed questions about English clubs struggling in European competitions this week, after several Premier League sides failed to pick up results.

“It is not the first time it has been hard,” he said.
“Before, England was the best league in the world, but after what happened in midweek people say maybe it is not. I still believe it is an incredible league.”

The Spaniard also reflected on the defeat to Real Madrid, admitting City could have handled key moments better.

“In the first half before the goal we played exceptionally and we were a threat. Then the goals came and the quality of players like Valverde changed the game.

“We conceded a penalty which I think was not one, and we had a clear chance for Nico O’Reilly but Thibaut Courtois made an incredible save.”

With the title race entering its decisive phase, Guardiola insists his team remain fully focused on the challenges ahead — starting with a tricky trip to West Ham.