Pep Guardiola backs title-chasing Man City to have ‘incredible approach’ at Everton

Pep Guardiola fears no complacency ahead of Manchester City’s crucial clash at Everton.

The Premier League leaders head to Goodison Park on Sunday for a significant game at both ends of the table.

City need points to hold off a challenge from title rivals Arsenal, while the relegation-threatened Toffees are eager to escape trouble.

However, for City, the game is complicated by their placement between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Guardiola’s side pulled to a 1-1 draw in a grueling encounter at the Estadio Bernabéu on Tuesday and it would be easy for the players to look past Everton to Wednesday’s return against the Spanish giants.

But City manager Guardiola said: “The players are humble enough and they respect the opponents. They know exactly how difficult it is at Everton. They know what they are playing for.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to have incredible focus at Goodison Park.

“The Premier League is such an important title. I know that the Champions League is very special, but there are many months, many difficult games. You have to train incredibly well and we know what a Sean Dyche team means.”

By playing on Sunday, City will only have two clear days before the Champions League game, while Real, who played on Saturday, has three.

Guardiola admitted that he would have preferred to play on Saturday, but insists that it is not a problem.

He said: “It’s not complaining at all, not even about the schedule. it’s a privilege

“I think the excitement of trying to do it again, of trying to win the titles at the end, gives you incredible energy when you’re a bit tired.

“The tension and the pressure are there. Sorry, sorry. It’s normal, but we have three days. It is enough time to prepare for Real Madrid. We are used to it.

“It is not the first time that we have incredible games. We’re playing the second leg at home and Everton is only an hour away by bus.

“It’s not as demanding as playing the Champions League away from home and then in the south of England three days later. Come on, we are privileged. The club takes care of us perfectly and we have to be prepared to do so”.