Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 6y

Ederson: Manchester City are not celebrating Premier League title yet

STOKE-ON-TRENT -- Ederson has told ESPN Brasil there will be no title celebrations at Manchester City's warm weather training break in Abu Dhabi this week.

City travelled to the United Arab Emirates immediately after Monday's 2-0 victory at Stoke City re-established their 16-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola's side need nine more points to be certain of winning the title but would do it in two if they won their next games against Everton and second-placed Manchester United.

They will have to wait 18 days before resuming Premier League fixtures because of a free weekend followed by the international break, and goalkeeper Ederson said they would be taking nothing for granted.

"We'll only celebrate when we really win it," he said. "Our team is very relaxed, and we know our objectives.

"We must keep focused, knowing what we have to do on the field.

"[We have] had many cold months here, so it [the heat] will be good for a change. We'll go there to work hard and to train our tactics even more, but also to rest a bit."

The first team will return to Manchester on Saturday and Ederson will then join up with Brazil along with City teammates Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho.

Brazil travel to Moscow to face World Cup hosts Russia on March 23, and head to Germany to face the holders in Berlin four days later.

Ederson is facing a battle with Roma's Alisson for the No. 1 spot but the former Benfica keeper first wants to secure his place in the World Cup squad.

"It's really good to see your work being recognised," he added. "It shows that [Brazil boss] Tite is following me and my games.

"It's an honour to be in the last call before the definitive call for the World Cup. It's a great joy."

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