Pep Guardiola has played down Premier League title talk while warning Manchester City will face a stern test when they host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium this week.
The fixture marks the first meeting between the two sides since City’s chaotic 5–4 victory at Craven Cottage earlier in the season. This time, Guardiola’s men return to familiar territory, having collected 44 points from a possible 51 across their last 17 league games at home.
City arrive buoyed by a rare and statement-making win over Liverpool at Anfield — just their second victory there under Guardiola — but the City boss was quick to cool expectations in the title race.
Chasing Arsenal
Despite closing the gap with Arsenal, Guardiola admitted the margin remains significant.
“Still the distance is not huge, but considering how Arsenal are doing, six points is a lot,” he said.
“Every time in the last month or weeks, before the game in the flash interview, if you lose you are losing everything and will disappear from planet Earth.”
Reflecting on the Liverpool win, Guardiola insisted the focus has already shifted.
“Yesterday I didn’t see the players, and today I didn’t yet see the players — we will see. Next game is against a team like Fulham who every year are getting better and better.”
Praise for Khusanov
Guardiola also spoke warmly about Abdukodir Khusanov, who is unlikely to feature against Fulham after picking up an injury at Anfield.
The City boss praised both the defender’s intelligence and rapid adaptation to English football.
“He doesn’t speak like William Shakespeare but he’s getting better and better,” Guardiola joked.
“He understands what we want and every time he is better. He is so intelligent. People think because he is physical, strong and fast, he cannot think — it’s completely the opposite.”
Guardiola went further, hinting at Khusanov’s long-term importance.
“He is always taking good decisions. He is open-minded. Man City have a player and a central defender for many years.”
Fulham Threat Recognised
With City’s defensive depth under pressure, Guardiola was asked how his side can contain Fulham, who have scored 35 goals in 25 league games this season.
His response was emphatic in praise of Marco Silva.
“Every season they are better. The movements, the patterns, the quality, the composure, the speed — they are really good,” Guardiola said.
“Marco is one of the top, top, top managers I face. Destiny to be one of the top in a few years for sure.”
City may boast home dominance and renewed confidence, but Guardiola’s message was clear: Fulham will not be brushed aside. Old-school respect. No complacency.
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