BREAKING NEWS: Pep Guardiola responds after witnessing Arsenal’s decisive victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Pep Guardiola believes that Arsenal, one of Manchester City’s main Premier League title rivals, is in excellent form as the new season approaches, as they aim to end City’s run as champions.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s team closely contested City for the title, with the race extending to the final day and only a two-point gap separating the top two teams.
The Gunners have since bolstered their squad by signing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and recently delivered an impressive 4-1 victory over German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.
When asked before the Community Shield match against FA Cup winners Manchester United if he was worried about potential title challengers, Guardiola said: “Of course.”
“I have been concerned for many years about how good they are because they improve every year.”
“I see Arsenal playing at the same level as last season; I watched their match against Leverkusen. They are in excellent form. Each year they seem to become more challenging.”
“United will make a comeback, as they have bought new players. Everyone wants the crown we’ve held for four years, it’s as simple as that. It’s about how we defend it. We’ll see.”