Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City are not yet a “complete team,” but the Spaniard believes they still have the quality to chase down Arsenal FC in the Premier League title race.

City’s hopes suffered a setback in midweek when they were held to a 2–2 draw by Nottingham Forest, leaving Guardiola’s side seven points behind league leaders Arsenal. However, the defending champions still have a game in hand and will host the Gunners in a potentially decisive clash in April.

During Guardiola’s successful tenure at the Etihad Stadium, City have frequently responded strongly to disappointing results. The manager is confident his side can do so again when they face Newcastle United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

But Guardiola acknowledged that his squad, which has undergone significant changes, is still developing.

“Normally, we react well. We have the ability to forget quickly,” he said.

“We are not a complete team to compete; that is the reality. We are in the process of many changes.

“But if we can learn quicker, still nothing is lost. We can arrive in the last month with chances.

“But I’m pretty sure next season will be better. I don’t have doubts about that.”

Guardiola’s reference to next season — the final year of his current contract — is likely to fuel speculation that he plans to remain at City beyond this campaign. There have been persistent rumours he could leave this summer after nearly a decade in charge, though he indicated in December that he intends to stay.

City’s FA Cup tie with Newcastle kicks off at 20:00 GMT, a scheduling quirk Guardiola views with mixed feelings. While the later start provides additional recovery time after the Forest draw, it also reduces preparation time for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid.

“Recovery is massively important. Rest, sleep, food, training — we know how to handle it,” Guardiola said.

“Of course, when we arrive early at home, it’s better than late for recovery, but it is what it is.

“For here in England, it is more important what happens in the League Cup than Champions League games for English teams.

“I don’t ask for anything, and if we have to play at 8pm, we’re going to play at 8pm.”