The international break is the calm before the storm that Manchester City know well

The international break this weekend has brought a sense of calm to this season. Manchester City has played 12 games in all competitions since the beginning of February. The goal when the champions embarked on the hectic schedule was to still be there when this international break arrived. Manchester City have done that and will set off down a path they have travelled many times before when domestic football resumes in two weeks.

As it stands currently, Pep Guardiola’s side is currently third in the Premier League. They sit a point league leaders Arsenal with Mikel Arteta’s side set to visit the Etihad after the international break. There won’t be an opportunity for the world champions to ease their way back into domestic duties when they return in over a weeks time. Arsenal appears hungry to go one better than last season and will be a formidable opponent for the champions.

READ MORE: Mateo Kovacic may have become City’s most important player during the run home.

But these are the challenges that Manchester City typically rises to. The world champions know that every game from the Arsenal fixture onwards in the Premier League is almost a must win proposition. It is when the pressure rises at this point of the season that Pep Guardiola’s side goes up another level. If they can follow the footsteps they know well from previous campaigns, it may set them on the path to a fourth consecutive Premier League title. But a determined Arsenal side awaits them after the international break.

The UEFA Champions League and FA Cup campaigns will also be the focus of the current European champions and FA Cup holders. Real Madrid and Chelsea await City in both competitions. Every game from here in each competition is a high stakes affair. Both ties are no exception.

Manchester City will have to be at their best for the remainder of the season if they are to repeat last seasons treble heroics. After the international break, the storm that is the final stages of the season will begin. It is a storm that Pep Guardiola’s side has successfully navigated before. If they can successfully navigate it again this season, they may take their place as the greatest club side of all time come seasons end.