Manchester City face Everton on Wednesday night knowing that sweet victory will take them above Liverpool on goal difference, if only briefly before the Reds catch up on matches in just over two-and-a-half weeks.
As we roll into the final third of the season, the pressure is well and truly on – although a laid-back Pep is only thinking about sunshine and caffeine.
“It takes a big mental effort to be consistent in every single competition… It demands a lot of stress," he admitted. “At the same time, when you get to March, the days are longer, the sun is out, the training sessions are in better conditions and you can take a coffee outside. If you are still in four competitions it's an extra plus.”
Not as good as the coffee, obviously. But before then, Guardiola must ready the charges at his disposal to help him win a second Premier League title in three seasons at the Etihad Stadium. His first campaign of 2016/17 was very much a learning curve as Manchester City finished 15 points behind champions Chelsea, but since then the 48-year-old has cut down deadwood and carefully crafted his record-breaking side.
For today’s quiz, we want you to recall the 37 players Guardiola has used in the Premier League – ranging from his ever-present stalwarts to those whose lifespans were rather more limited. You’ve got eight minutes to get it done, then tell us how you got on @FourFourTwo...
THEN READ… 10 managers who only ever had one job – and how it went
