Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals he is finding it hard to lift deflated stars after Champions League KO and derby horror show
Etihad chief takes his table-topping side to Spurs this weekend as they attempt to move a step closer to the title
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PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted he is finding it hard to lift his Manchester City stars ahead of their clash with Tottenham.
The Cityzens were dumped out of the Champions League by Liverpool on Tuesday by Liverpool after a 5-1 aggregate defeat.
Those two setbacks, 3-0 away and this week’s 2-1 home reverse, were sandwiched between a 3-2 loss at the Etihad to bitter rivals Manchester United.
Now they head to Wembley to face Spurs knowing they are just two wins away from clinching the Premier League title.
But despite being 13 points clear, Guardiola revealed he needs to raise his side’s spirits after a demoralising third straight defeat.
He said: “[It’s] Not easy. We tried to reach the semi-finals, win the Premier League, but they are human beings and disappointed because they gave it everything.
“But we have to stand up now and we have the most important title in front of us by far.”
And he believes that another bumper showdown is exactly what City need to help them get over their recent heartache.
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Guardiola said: “Now we have six games to play, 18 points to play and we need five. Tottenham - it's what it is.
“We are going to try to take points, then Swansea, West Ham etc. - we need the points and we'll try to win the most important of the season.
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“Tottenham are fantastic with great players - Dembele, Vertonghen, Alli, and Kane are all playing great with a lot of success.
“It's going to be difficult for us.”
One player Guardiola will be without this weekend is top scorer Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine’s knee injury was aggravated by a heavy tackle from United’s Ashley Young in the Manchester derby.
Aguero came off the bench against Liverpool but Pep revealed he will not play tomorrow.
He said: “He played the last 20 minutes [against Liverpool] and after the game he said, 'I cannot run, I have a lot of pain, I cannot run'.
“I don't know if he'll be ready for Swansea, but hopefully for the final games if we need him and especially for the World Cup.”
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