Guardiola faces a tough challenge: Manchester City's upcoming 7 matches are a grueling schedule, featuring two clashes against Real Madrid plus Arsenal and the Red-Blue army.

Guardiola is genuinely encountering hardships this season. Following the release of the FA Cup quarter-final draw, Manchester City has drawn Liverpool. Consequently, in their forthcoming 7 games, except for the match against West Ham United, every one is a top-tier showdown. West Ham is also battling fiercely for survival. This includes two encounters with Real Madrid and Arsenal, along with successive matches against Chelsea and Liverpool.

According to Manchester City's schedule, this midweek they face Real Madrid away in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This weekend, in Premier League Round 30, they play West Ham United away. Next midweek, they host Real Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Following that, they have the first leg of the League Cup final against Arsenal (away) and the FA Cup quarter-final home match against Liverpool. Then comes Premier League Round 32, where Manchester City visits Chelsea, and Round 33, where they host Arsenal—both being major clashes among the top six.

After 29 rounds of the Premier League, Manchester City trails Arsenal by a significant 7 points, with Arsenal having played an extra match. They have lost the initiative in the title race. To compete for the Premier League crown, Manchester City must avoid mistakes themselves and also hope for Arsenal to slip up. In cup competitions, however, Manchester City's chances rely more on their own efforts. The immediate priority is to eliminate Real Madrid, who are currently in a downturn, in the Champions League quarter-finals.