Pep Guardiola speaks candidly about Arsenal after their pursuit of four trophies and their lead over Manchester City in the Premier League.
On 23 January 2026, Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, the league's second-place team, spoke at a press conference ahead of the 23rd Premier League match of the 2025-26 season, as they prepare to host bottom-ranked Wolverhampton on Saturday, 24 January.
Man City needs a victory to regain confidence after losing their last two matches: a 0-2 defeat to Manchester United in last week's Premier League, followed by a 1-3 loss to Bodø/Glimt in the seventh group stage match of the UEFA Champions League midweek.
Currently in the Premier League standings, Man City is second, trailing leaders Arsenal by 7 points. Meanwhile, the "Gunners" are at peak strength, contending for all four trophies this season. They have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, automatically advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, and progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
When asked about Arsenal’s pursuit of all four trophies this season, the Man City manager said, "Right now, they are the best team in the world, judging by their performances in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. We hope we can catch up with them and that they will give us a chance sometime."
Regarding whether new defender Marc Guehi, recently signed from Crystal Palace, will make his debut for Man City against Wolverhampton, Pep Guardiola responded, "Yes, yes. It’s a very good signing considering he is a genuinely strong central defender."
As for the fitness of Nico Gonzalez and Matheus Nunes, Pep said, "Nunes has a viral infection, so we have to wait and see what the medical staff says. As for Nico, I think he is still not ready to play."