Winning is only motivation for Pep as Man City begin title defence v Arsenal

Guardiola's City, who won the Premier League with a record 100 points last season, begin their next campaign at Arsenal today

Pep Guardiola claims simply winning matches, not more titles, is his chief motivation as champions Manchester City begin their title defence. Guardiola's City, who won the Premier League with a record 100 points last season, begin their next campaign at Arsenal today. He said: "The target is to win on Sunday and then, after that, [against] Huddersfield and then Wolves. At the end, we will see our level. I am focused on that, not focused on back-to-back titles."

"Winning is the best motivation and we will try to continue what we have done. Last season we were so happy. Why not try it again?

'Consistency, the key'
"If we play good and we are consistent, we have a chance to repeat the Premier League. If we don't we are not going to win." City, who also finished 19 points clear of their nearest rivals last term, have made just one major signing over the summer with the £60million club record acquisition of Riyad Mahrez.

Although attempts were made to add a defensive midfielder to the squad in Jorginho, who instead joined Chelsea, Guardiola insists he is perfectly happy with his group of players. "They show me in two seasons, especially the last one, we can trust them," Guardiola said. "We believe we have a good squad. I like to work with them, I enjoy it.

Healthy City bonding
"They are excellent human beings. I like playing with them. The results, I don't know, but the process of being together is nice." City will be the first opponents for Arsenal since the appointment of Unai Emery as manager in place of Frenchman, Arsene Wenger.

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