Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City cannot use their gruelling schedule as an excuse if they fail to win the Premier League title.

Guardiola’s second-placed side are three points behind leaders Arsenal heading into the final weeks of the season.

But City’s title bid could be hampered by a fixture pile-up after their games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth were given new dates either side of the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16.

Those matches needed to be moved because of City’s progress in both domestic cups, but the new schedule means they need to play three times in the space of seven days from May 13 to 19.

The League Cup winners’ title charge concludes against Aston Villa on May 24.

City were reportedly unhappy when the fixtures were confirmed, particularly because they felt the Palace game originally slated for March could have been rearranged earlier.

But Guardiola has accepted the situation as an inevitable consequence of being successful in English football.

“It is what it is. When we won the treble and quadruple, we always had this kind of calendar,” the City manager told reporters on Friday.

“Of course, it could be better, but I’ve never expected help. We’ll do that and go game by game.

“If you don’t like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like being here, and I’ve said many times, when I was at Barcelona and saw managers here complain about the schedule, it has always been like this.”

City are chasing the seventh Premier League crown of the Guardiola era as they seek to take advantage of Arsenal’s latest title-race stumble.

The Gunners blew substantial leads that allowed City to lift the trophy in 2023 and 2024.

By the time City travel to Everton on Monday, they will be six points behind Arsenal if Mikel Arteta’s men beat Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

But the Everton game will be the first of City’s two games in hand in a race so tight it could be decided by goal difference or goals scored.

“It’s normal, it’s the calendar. Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind,” Guardiola said.

“It is what it is, and nothing changes at this stage — you know exactly what you have to do.”

Guardiola claimed he did not even know when Arsenal were playing when asked if he would be watching their game against Fulham.

“What time do they play? It’s after a training session, so maybe I will watch it,” said the 55-year-old Spaniard.

AFP

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Nigerians have rallied behind Victor Osimhen following reports that Mercedes-Benz has initiated legal proceedings against the striker over an alleged unpaid leasing debt.

The case, first reported by Italian outlet Il Giorno, centres on claims that the Nigeria international defaulted on payments for a Mercedes GLE hybrid SUV acquired under a leasing agreement in 2023 during his time at Napoli.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia S.p.A. is said to have filed a complaint in Milan, accusing the 27-year-old of failing to meet his financial obligations, with the alleged arrears estimated at €90,000, while it is also claimed that the vehicle was not returned at the end of the contract.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, reactions on social media platform X have largely been in support of the forward, with many users expressing disbelief and calling for caution.

Some Nigerians suggested the situation may have stemmed from a misunderstanding and should be resolved privately rather than publicly.

“Miscommunication probably. They should both settle things behind closed doors, instead of bringing it here,” user @zinux17 wrote.

Others questioned the credibility of the report, insisting the claims did not align with Osimhen’s profile.

“I don’t believe this one, sorry. It doesn’t make sense; something might be wrong somewhere,” @nuelpraise213 posted.

There were also views that the striker would not risk damaging his reputation over such an issue.

“This is not adding up at. Osimen wouldn’t want to do anything that will jeopardise his reputation,” @get2lanre said.

Several reactions outrightly dismissed the allegations, describing them as difficult to believe.

“Osimhen failing payments for a leased car? This can’t be true,” @mondaycaroline wrote.

Calls for restraint were also evident, with some urging the public to wait for verified information before drawing conclusions.

“This is one of those reports that needs proper confirmation before conclusions are drawn,” @minugirl49268 added.

“High profile names often trend quickly online, so it’s important to wait for verified statements before reacting strongly.”

Others simply rejected the report without elaboration.

“This can’t be right,” @jeremiah6929 stated.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in 2025 in a deal reportedly worth €75m, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, while his representatives have also remained silent at the time of reporting.

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John Obi Mikel has ruled out Cesc Fàbregas as a potential Chelsea manager, instead backing former team-mate Filipe Luís as the best candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chelsea are searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, with several names linked to the role as the club continue to assess options behind the scenes.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel acknowledged the progress made by Fàbregas at Italian side Como but insisted the Chelsea job may come too soon for the Spaniard as he continues to build his managerial experience.

“I think for me, it’d be too early for Fabregas. I like Fabregas and we can all see the success he’s having with Como in the Italian league, but I think it’s a bit too early. Give him a couple more seasons to establish himself and gain more experience.”

The former Nigeria captain instead pointed to Filipe Luís as the standout option among the names being considered, despite the Brazilian’s relatively short time in management with Flamengo.

Mikel highlighted the identity and structure Luís has already instilled in his team, particularly noting their performances on the international stage, which he believes demonstrate the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.

“On Filipe Luis, he is a fantastic manager and his team played fantastic football in the Club World Cup and had an objective of how they wanted to play.”

“There was a clear structure, playing with purpose, that’s how you know someone can become a top manager.”

“Maybe he doesn’t have the experience right now, but from the job he did with Flamengo and the way his team plays, there is something to be excited about.”

“There’s an expectation of what you feel you can achieve and that’s what I like about Filipe Luis. Maybe it’s too early, but of all the three managers mentioned, if they go with any of them, I’ll probably say Filipe Luis,” Mikel said.

Chelsea, who are being overseen by interim boss Calum McFarlane until the end of the season, are not rushing their decision, with reports suggesting the club are also considering undisclosed candidates as they weigh up their next appointment.