“You are going to lose” – Pep Guardiola reveals stark half-time message to Manchester City squad

Pep Guardiola has revealed his message to the Manchester City players at half-time of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham.

Manchester City took a major step towards a sixth Premier League title in seven years on Tuesday evening, beating Tottenham 0-2 in north London to move within three points of retaining their crown.

Erling Haaland’s second-half brace and a series of impressive saves by substitute Stefan Ortega helped the Sky Blues to a first victory away to Spurs in the Premier League since October 2018.

The win, which allowed Manchester City to move two points clear of Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s season finale at the Etihad Stadium against West Ham United, came despite a nervous first-half performance from the Sky Blues.

Pep Guardiola’s side struggled in the opening 45 minutes against Spurs, with the home side dominating possession and looking more dangerous, amid a series of misplaced passes and individual errors from the Manchester City players.

Haaland broke the deadlock in the 51st minute however, and doubled the Blues’ lead in the 91st minute from the penalty spot after Jeremy Doku was tripped in the area by Pedro Porro.

Speaking with Sky Sports post-match, Guardiola revealed his half-time message to the Manchester City squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“They were playing for the consequences of the result (in the first-half). When you do that you are going to lose the Premier League,” said the 53-year-old.

“You cannot perform to your level. They are human beings, I understand the pressure. Not even Arsenal played well against Manchester United, they knew if they did not win there they would not win the Premier League.”

Manchester City will win the Premier League title with a victory over the Hammers on Sunday, with the Sky Blues having beaten West Ham on the final day of the campaign in 2014 to also lift the trophy.

Guardiola’s side could also still retain the Emirates FA Cup, with a clash with Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th May.