Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says wrapping up the Premier League title race early may not necessarily boost their quadruple hopes.
City can go 14 points clear at the top of the league with victory over Manchester United in this afternoon’s derby.
Securing their third crown in four years with something to spare could free them up to focus on their other objectives - chiefly the Champions League, but also the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup.
Guardiola, however, is not convinced that would necessarily be the case as momentum could be lost if players ease up for certain fixtures.
The City manager, whose side host rivals Manchester United on Sunday, said: “Sometimes when you fight for the Premier League for a long time you are incredibly focused for the other competitions, but sometimes when you win something you can drop a little bit and after it is more difficult to do it.
“I said to the guys the only way to arrive in the best moments in the cups and the Premier League is to be focused all the time. This is what we have to do. Sometimes it is good, sometimes bad. I don’t know.
“People say what we are doing is perfect and everything at City is good but it is good because we win. By doing the same we could lose.
“So (think only) next one, try to extend this run, then the next one. Arrive in the FA Cup against Everton, the second leg in the Champions League.
“It is good when you just focus in the next game.”
