Pep Guardiola did not attempt to dress up Manchester City’s priorities after their narrow win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last night.
Despite moving to within three points of second-placed Arsenal, the City boss insists the focus remains squarely on securing Champions League qualification and preparing for the FA Cup final.
“They have a game in hand. It is not the target,” Guardiola said post-match. “Qualification for the Champions League and the FA Cup final – that’s the focus.”
The message was clear – City are managing energy and expectations as they approach the business end of the campaign.
The 1-0 win over Wolves was City’s fourth straight league victory, but Guardiola was under no illusions about the performance.
Kevin De Bruyne’s well-taken first-half goal proved decisive, but the visitors caused problems and were unlucky not to score.
“I think we missed some intensity with pressing up front,” Guardiola admitted. It was one of several reasons why Erling Braut Haaland remained on the bench, despite returning to the squad after injury.
“Just two training sessions with us,” Guardiola noted. “I thought about bringing him on, but I decided on other types of players.”
The game’s standout moment belonged to De Bruyne, who notched his 250th goal contribution under Guardiola.
That feat puts him alongside only Lionel Messi in that bracket, but Guardiola was quick to underline the Belgian’s deeper legacy.
“It’s not just titles and numbers, it’s affection and love and passion,” he said. “There are players like Sergio [Aguero], like him, like Vinnie [Kompany] in the heart of the people.”
De Bruyne may be nearing the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium, but his influence remains significant.
Guardiola acknowledged his captain’s waning physical sharpness, yet also praised the impact of his experience in key moments. “He does not have to prove anything,” the manager added.
Wolves gave City a stern test and were unlucky not to take something from the match. However, De Bruyne made the difference in a tight game as he has done countless times over the past decade.
The victory keeps Man City’s season on track. But for Guardiola, the bigger picture remains front and centre – and so does his pragmatism.
