Pep’s Title Rallying Cry: “Now the Real Season Starts Now”
Pep Guardiola has delivered a powerful rallying message in the Premier League title race, declaring that the
“real season starts now” as Manchester City begin their chase to catch leaders Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of City’s visit to Newcastle on Saturday Night Football at 5:30pm, the City manager
highlighted this weekend as a crucial moment, especially with Arsenal facing Tottenham in the
north London derby on Sunday at 4:30pm.
Guardiola explained that the season can be split into two phases: the period after the summer transfer window
closes, and the stretch following the November international break. Now that the break is over, he believes
the intense part of the season has finally begun.
“Now the international break is done, now until March we meet each other every three or four days with games,”
Guardiola said. “Now the real, real season starts now. The important thing is to be there, or close to there.
Arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight for it — that is the target. Winning tomorrow will be
an important step for us.”
Guardiola also stressed how strong Arsenal are, saying they are unlikely to drop many points. He warned that
failing to win against Newcastle could allow Mikel Arteta’s side to pull away at the top.
“The truth is a team as strong as Arsenal — in recent seasons as well — they are impeccable,” he added. “It’s the
same feeling I had when we fought against Liverpool in the past. They will not drop many points. If they take
a lot of distance, it will be difficult to catch them.”
However, Guardiola reminded everyone that the season is still long: “We’re in November. Nothing is defined.
In February or March, be careful — but now is the start of the season.”
FAQ
Q: Why does Guardiola say the real season starts now?
A: Because after the November international break, fixtures become more frequent, and teams begin to show their real level.
Q: Why is the match against Newcastle so important?
A: Guardiola believes Arsenal won’t drop many points, so City must keep pressure on them by winning key matches.
Q: Does Guardiola think the title race is decided?
A: No, he says nothing is decided in November, but the chase becomes serious from this point onward.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s rallying call shows the urgency Manchester City feel as they enter the toughest phase of the season.
With Arsenal setting a relentless pace, every game now carries extra weight. According to Guardiola, this is the
moment when champions rise — and City must respond immediately if they hope to stay in the title race.
