Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City will not use their demanding schedule as an excuse if they fall short in the Premier League title race.
City, currently second, trail leaders Arsenal by three points as the season heads into its closing weeks.
Their push for the title, however, is complicated by a congested run of fixtures following their progress in domestic competitions.
Rescheduled matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth will now be played around the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, leaving City to play three games in seven days between May 13 and 19.
Despite reports of dissatisfaction over the fixture changes particularly the timing of the Palace game, Guardiola said the situation is part of competing at the top level.
“It is what it is. When we won the treble and quadruple, we always had this kind of calendar,” Guardiola said on Friday.
“Of course, it could be better, but I’ve never expected help. We’ll do that and go game by game.“If you don’t like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like being here.”
City are chasing a seventh league title under Guardiola and hope to capitalise on Arsenal’s recent slip in form.
The Gunners previously lost commanding leads that allowed City to win the title in 2023 and 2024.
By the time City travel to face Everton on Monday, they could be six points behind Arsenal if Mikel Arteta’s side defeat Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the Everton clash marks the first of City’s two games in hand in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race that could be decided by goal difference or goals scored.
“It’s normal, it’s the calendar. Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind,” Guardiola added.
“It is what it is, and nothing changes at this stage you know exactly what you have to do.”
Guardiola also downplayed interest in closely monitoring Arsenal’s next fixture.
“What time do they play? It’s after a training session, so maybe I will watch it,” he said.