Pep Guardiola speaks at Manchester City’s press conference (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola held his customary pre-match press conference on Friday morning ahead of this weekend’s Premier League match against Newcastle.
The Spanish tactician will be hoping his Man City side can make another strong start after the international break, following an impressive 3-0 win over reigning champions Liverpool last time out.
Next up is a tricky game away to Newcastle, but Guardiola singled out Magpies midfield star Bruno Guimarães in his comments for praise.
Guardiola also provided an update on the ongoing injury turmoil involving star player Rodri, while fans will no doubt start making plans on how to buy Champions League tickets for Man City vs. Bayer Leverkusen.
For now, I will introduce the full text of Coach Guardiola’s press conference.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City press conference – full transcript
About City’s opponents Newcastle
Top, top team, they are a Champions League team but we are ready.
About City’s goalkeeper
We have two incredible keepers in Gigio and James. I’ve been very impressed with how James has developed since leaving the academy here.
Gigio, I have always said that the reason you start at Milan at the age of 17 is because you are special. All the players are eligible for the World Cup and I hope Gigio will be able to play.
Experience, you can gain more experience by learning from what happened, but that doesn’t mean it will always work out.
About the title fight vs. Arsenal
As a matter of fact, as strong a team as Arsenal were last season, my feeling was that they wouldn’t drop too many points and if they were able to close the distance it would be difficult. We’re in November and nothing is final in November in this league. Pay attention to what happens in February and March. The international break is over and we will meet every few days until March, but now the real season begins. I have to go there in March. Winning tomorrow will be an important step for us.
About Rodri and his injury
Everyone is healthy except for Koba (Mateo Kovacic) and Rodri. Rodri is making good progress. It’s been almost three weeks since I took my last small step back. He knows that he needs to recover well mentally and especially physically from the issues he had and spend real time recovering well in order for us to be consistent from now until the end.
He is Bernardo Silva
Top, one of the best. He gave us and himself a lot more than just statistics, mental, one of the best players I’ve ever trained.
About Nico O’Reilly
I’m happy for him and hopefully he can continue and stay humble. The age at which the highest level is reached may be stable. I am very happy for the Academy, for all the people who have worked with him since childhood, for everyone who has been involved in his development. This is a big, big compliment.
On Wayne Rooney’s disdain for Erling Haaland
Indeed (he is right). you will choose another one. it doesn’t matter. Wayne decided that, so I’m fine, it’s not a big deal.
About Haaland’s form
He has been incredible this season, breaking all Norwegian national team records and all Premier League records. For him, for his national team, many of the members of Norway’s national team weren’t even born the last time they participated in the World Cup. As a soccer player, a world-class player, he deserves to play in the World Cup and live the experience. I’m very happy for him.
Taking a break
I don’t know. For me, I like breaks. Take a break. I love my job, but I also need time to breathe. It might be better to take a longer time. In winter it adapts to the World Cup. Whatever the brains of world football decide, we will do it.
About Bruno Guimaraes
Not only this season, but for many years since Lyon, we knew he was a special player. Newcastle have made a fantastic signing. He’s getting better and better. I’ve always been a big fan of his.
