Premier League news features reactions from multiple managers, including Arne Slot, Pep Guardiola, Calum McFarlane, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Eddie Howe, addressing various topics from title races to club cultures.
Guardiola refuses to concede title race
Pep Guardiola has declined to declare Manchester City's title pursuit over after a 3-3 draw with Everton, despite earlier insisting every game from the victory over Arsenal must be won. City beat Arsenal 2-1 on 19 April, then won 1-0 at Burnley to level on points with the leaders, but now trail by five points following the draw at Goodison Park. Even if City win their game in hand, they cannot overtake Arsenal without the Gunners dropping points in their final three matches. Guardiola stated: "Well, it is more difficult because we are facing the team that is going to play the final of the Champions League. We dropped two points in a tough game against Everton. But we try to win – let's leave two points behind them and see what happens." City host Brentford on Saturday, while Arsenal travel to West Ham on Sunday. Guardiola added: "Let me play against Brentford and do our job. Let's win our game against Brentford. And after you can come and ask. Always with these things it is a big mistake to look ahead." He noted that the fightback from 1-3 down against Everton proves City's resilience. Rodri, injured since the Arsenal win, has returned to light training and may be available for Brentford. Guardiola also backed Phil Foden, who agreed a new contract until 2031 despite losing his starting place, saying: "He just needs to recover that spirit, the pleasure of being a football player."
Slot rejects leadership concerns
Arne Slot has angrily dismissed suggestions that Liverpool's standards could drop after Mohamed Salah's departure, insisting a winning culture is not confined to the gym. Salah recently stated he told teammates to set an example after he leaves, and Virgil van Dijk noted behind-the-scenes work is needed. Slot responded: "Does Virgil mean the same as what Mo is saying? Mo is saying that standards are really important for a football club. I cannot agree with him more. I did not hear him say that the standards are not OK now, did you? I'm not worried that the standards will be lower next season." Slot defended the squad, saying: "I think standards are in a good place right now. I am completely convinced that we have enough players next season – and the ones we will sign to add to that – to put the standards exactly into the place they are needed." He denied a lack of leadership among last summer's signings, pointing to young players like Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at PSG as examples. "They all have lived experiences and know what it takes to play at this level. Come on, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Alexander Isak and all these players we signed: they are not children, they are serious professionals."
McFarlane sees Chelsea foundations
Chelsea's interim coach Calum McFarlane insists the club has solid foundations despite a six-match losing streak, their worst since 1993. The under-21s coach took over after Liam Rosenior's sacking. Chelsea cannot finish in the top five and must rely on the FA Cup final for European football. McFarlane said: "We're not in the best form at the moment, we're not performing the way we should be, but I do think there are foundations there for this team to be successful. We've got four games left, we need to attack every game and show our level." He added: "It's a challenge, it's tough, you don't like losing games, but I'm enjoying the challenge. I try and support the players and give them the best platform to win football games."
Nuno focuses on survival
Nuno Espirito Santo says he has not thought about his future at West Ham, whether they are relegated or not. The board reportedly want him to stay even if they drop to the Championship. West Ham sit 18th and face leaders Arsenal on Sunday. Nuno stated: "I don't have one second to think about next season. It's so demanding what we have, the challenge, especially the game on Sunday, that's what we have to focus on. All the club, all the staff, the board, the players, the fans, we have our mission. It's about Sunday and we just focus on Sunday." He added: "Arsenal are a tough opponent, but we are at London Stadium and that always gives us a plus of energy. There is no hiding. Being at home is good for us."
Howe backs Gordon's commitment
Eddie Howe has reaffirmed Anthony Gordon's commitment to Newcastle amid links to Bayern Munich. Reports suggested talks had opened, but Howe said: "No, none. That's not something I'm involved in." Asked if Gordon is 100% committed, Howe replied: "Yes, he wouldn't be in the squad if that was the case. And I judge that, as I said many times, not on communications elsewhere, I do that with my relationship with the player and how I see them train." Newcastle are 13th with three games left, starting at Nottingham Forest. Howe admitted the summer transfer window is "difficult to predict" but stressed focus on a strong finish. "There's no point looking too far ahead into the future. The summer transfer window is difficult to predict, it's difficult to see what's going to happen on any level at this moment in time so we've got three big games to play and we need to focus on them."
