Guardiola is wary of Chelsea’s threat, especially after Chelsea’s victory over Man City in the 2020-21 Champions League final.
Since the transition of ownership from Roman Abramovich to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea has undergone significant changes, experiencing several managerial shifts. The club’s noteworthy summer spending, which exceeded £400m, included the £40m acquisition of Cole Palmer from Man City, pushing their total spending past £1bn since Boehly’s arrival.
Despite the substantial investments, Chelsea faced a setback with a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, trailing a remarkable 45 points behind Guardiola’s title-winning side.
Presently sitting 10th in the league standings, Chelsea has shown signs of improvement under Pochettino, securing a statement 4-1 away victory over former league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
“Chelsea remain one of the most important clubs,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday. “They won the Champions League under [Thomas] Tuchel against us.
“It’s true they were not close to win the Premier League in these seasons, but they are one of the strongest teams no doubt.
“They’re aggressive and have good patterns. One of the toughest games we have during the season.
“We have try to maintain the level of our game, but sooner or later Chelsea will be there fighting for titles. No doubt about that.”
Guardiola has also praised former Man City duo Palmer and Raheem Sterling ahead of their reunion with the Citizens on Sunday.
“Really pleased [for Palmer],” Guardiola added. “One of the reasons he left was game time, and he’s getting it, so congratulations to him. He’s playing well and all the best. Congratulations to Chelsea and him.
“[Sterling is] playing really good. He’s back in his best moments from what I’ve seen recently. What he did here for us in the early years was really, really important.”
Despite John Stones being unavailable due to a muscle injury, Manuel Akanji, recovering from a minor back problem, is set to play for the visitors against the reigning Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge.
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