Premier League top of Guardiola’s Christmas list at City

Pep Guardiola was understandably delighted to wrap up a place in the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare, but the Manchester City manager believes they must turn their focus to the Premier League.

Man City are third in the English top flight – behind Liverpool and Chelsea – but after sealing a spot in the knockout stages thanks to a 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, former Barçelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola is bracing himself for a testing festive period.

After what should be a straightforward trip to Burnley, Guardiola’s men have a brutal run-in to Christmas.

Chelsea and Arsenal arrive at the Etihad, while City have a New Year’s Eve trip to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

And though Champions League progression was top of Guardiola’s to-do list, he knows that City must be prepared for a congested period that could well determine their title credentials.

“I’m so happy to be there [in the knock-out phase],” he said. “The first part of the season is so important, to qualify for the next round. We did it – and now we can focus on the Premier League.

“I am so satisfied for all the games. I was a trainer here in Germany and know how difficult Gladbach are. But we did it, which is why it is big congratulations to the team.”