Guardiola Urges Focus: “Don’t Play Because Arsenal Dropped Points — Play Because We Believe in Ourselves”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the motivational message he gave his players before their dominant victory over Liverpool — and it had nothing to do with Arsenal’s stumble.

Before City’s clash against the defending champions, Arsenal had dropped points in a 2–2 draw with Sunderland — only their third slip of the season — creating an opening for their title rivals to close the gap.

But Guardiola, known for his meticulous mindset, made it clear to his players that their motivation should not come from Arsenal’s misstep.

“I think Liverpool and us said, ‘oh wow, Arsenal dropped points finally and conceded two goals,’” Guardiola told reporters. “But at the end we have to do it. I said to the players, ‘don’t do it because Arsenal didn’t win. Do it because we believe in ourselves — that we can play against the champions of England and show we are ready to be there with them this season.’”

A Manager’s Psychology at Work

This is classic Guardiola — refusing to let his team’s hunger be dictated by others. For him, every game is about standards, not circumstances. While Arsenal’s draw certainly reignited City’s title hopes, the Spaniard’s insistence on internal motivation reveals why his side has been the gold standard of English football for years.

Guardiola’s mindset is as much a weapon as his tactics. By telling his players to focus inward, he shields them from distraction and keeps their eyes on the bigger picture: sustained dominance.

Arsenal Beware — City Are Finding Their Rhythm

Arsenal may still sit top of the table, but Guardiola’s words hint at a familiar storm brewing. Every time City smell blood, they don’t just chase — they hunt. With Liverpool beaten and Arsenal’s aura of invincibility slightly cracked, the title race is wide open again.

The message is clear from the Etihad: City are not watching Arsenal — they’re watching themselves.
And when Guardiola’s men start believing they’re back in rhythm, history has shown the rest of the league should take notice.