Pep Guardiola compares Manchester City to Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods
Friday 26 April 2019 19:10, UK
Pep Guardiola has compared the standard Manchester City have set in the Premier League to those Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods have set in their respective sports.
City set a record total of 100 points as they won the Premier League last season and are on track to retain their title with a 98-point showing if they win the final three games of their campaign.
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt remains the world-record holder in both the 100m and 200m sprints, while Tiger Woods won his 15th golf major at the Masters earlier this month to move within three of Jack Nicklaus' all-time record.
"Before it was easier. Before everybody could lose to everybody," Guardiola said on Friday.
"The last two seasons, the last season in our case and this season two teams, win a lot of games - they can win everywhere. That's the standard we've set.
"When Usain Bolt made 100m race, that is the standard. The other people have to achieve it. It's 14 grand slams Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, that is the standard. It's the same, 100 points a season, if you want to compete you have to do that."
Having ground out a 1-0 victory over Tottenham last weekend, City secured a vital 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday in their game in hand over Liverpool to move back to the top of the table.
City will take an 11-game Premier League winning streak to Burnley on Sunday, but may have to do without two key midfielders. Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out with a hamstring strain, while Fernandinho is a doubt after limping off with a knee problem against United.
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Burnley are on a good run themselves, with Sean Dyche's side having gone unbeaten in their last four games to move clear of the relegation zone.
"The way they play is very special," Guardiola said of Burnley's direct style of play. "They do really well what they do.
"We are preparing especially because it's the end of the season, the last games, and everybody feels the pressure.
"Today is a day off, the people rest, and tomorrow we're going to prepare what we have to do to try and control Burnley's strength points."
