Pep Guardiola admits he understands Man City fans’ anger over further increase in season ticket prices… but urges supporters to stick with his side ahead of crunch Arsenal clash

Pep Guardiola admitted he understands the anger of Manchester City supporters after a further hike to season-ticket prices but insisted they will carry them through against Arsenal this weekend.

Like the majority of their Premier League rivals, City have already announced increases of up to 10 per cent ahead of next season – prompting fury by fans who fear they are being priced out.

Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United’s are going up, with Chelsea and Liverpool’s fan base fearing the same.

‘Absolutely (I understand),’ Guardiola said. ‘The people will support us unconditionally. The team is the team, not involved, respect all opinions. I know it is a sensitive issue but on Sunday they will be with us.

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he understands Manchester City fans’ fury over season ticket price hike

City, like a number of other Premier League clubs, have announced an increase of up to 10 per cent

Guardiola urged supporters to stick with his side when they take on Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in a crunch game

‘Now with the last games of the Premier League at home with our people I’m pretty sure they will give us what we need to perform to our best. Right now every game is so important.’

City will be without both Kyle Walker and John Stones after the pair sustained injuries while on international duty with England over the past week.

Guardiola refused to be drawn on Gareth Southgate’s decision to start Stones twice in a matter of days – and suggested that the internationals may derail their momentum in the hunt for an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.

‘We played really good the last month but the international break, the first game after is always… you think, what will happen?’ the Catalan added. ‘Yesterday we trained good and we have two more training sessions and will be ready for it again.

City will be without both John Stones (left) and Kyle Walker (right) for the game, with both players picking up injuries on international duty

Guardiola’s side will leapfrog Arsenal and could go top of the Premier League should they win

‘Arsenal control many aspects of the game and every time they are better and better. When you have consistency in terms of ideas and the same manager, you always improve. If you change manager and players, it is more difficult.

‘It’s good to be here with two titles and in contention for three titles after what happened last season. We made incredible work.’