Man City boss Guardiola tribute to Arsenal; considers own future

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Arsenal after clinching the Premier League title on Sunday.

City defeated West Ham 3-1 to finish two points ahead of Arsenal on the table.

Guardiola said: "For Arsenal to push us to another level - before it was Liverpool and the last two seasons it's been Arsenal. This one has been incredible. We get the message, we know they will be there for many years.

"Young manager with big talent - they sent us a message that you have to be careful for the next few years. When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you're insane - no way. All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that."

On winning four titles in a row, he said: "Not in the beginning but in January/February I said no-one has done it - why not? Always, from past experience, we think about the titles with two months left. In November and December it's not good to think of it.

"The one last season where we won the Treble the job is done - very special."

On the reasons for his success, Guardiola said: "I don't know! Work a lot. I respect them a lot. Be humble, incredible work ethic. One game, one game, one game - you can't think in November that you're going to win it.

"Evolving it is not. The sport director gives me these players and I think OK what is the best position for them? We can't play a false nine with [Erling] Haaland, we adapt the skills to the players. Not because I have an idea and every player had to do it. We adapt to the players.

"We were without [Erling] Haaland for many months, Julian [Alvarez] did an amazing job and Phil [Foden] has this talent. On the big stage, in the big moment he did. Amazing players but with Phil we have an extra thing."

On staying with the club, he added: "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club - my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years - we will see."