Manchester City are taking on Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday night – and Pep Guardiola has been speaking to reporters today ahead of the game.
Manchester City are fresh from beating Wolves in the Premier League, and are looking to keep the momentum going in Europe.
It’s four points from two games so far in the Champions League, with City drawing with Inter in the first game and then beating Slovan Bratislava in what was a very easy second game.
Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate his side, and we could be seeing the likes of Matheus Nunes, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish start after they were all named on the bench against Wolves.
City are overwhelming favourites to win, but a professional job will be required.
Here are a few interesting lines from the Manchester City manager’s press conference earlier today.
Kevin De Bruyne injury update
City fans have not seen De Bruyne for a few weeks now, after he was forced off with an injury against Inter.
Initially, it was suggested the issue was only minor. But De Bruyne still hasn’t returned and wasn’t on the bench against Wolves at the weekend.
Seemingly, he still has a bit of work to do to get back fit.
Guardiola gave an injury update on De Bruyne today, saying: “I cannot tell you. Yeah (he could be out for a long time).
“No, it’s not a big issue. But he doesn’t feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old anymore, he has to be fit for his football.
“He has to be completely, completely fit and he doesn’t feel comfortable at all. So he cannot express his incredible potential at his best, so that’s why he’s training a little bit better, but still, he doesn’t feel… “He said to me, ‘Still I don’t feel good’. So if you don’t feel good, take your time.”
Guardiola explains why John Stones hasn’t played much
City fans have only just started seeing John Stones more regularly in the starting XI.
The £50 million star was one of several players to return back late after his exploits at the Euros for England, and only now are we seeing him become more influential.
Guardiola explained why Stones hasn’t started much for Man City this season, saying earlier today: “The only reason [Stones hasn’t been starting] is because Ruben and Manuel were in incredible top form. It’s not a lack of confidence, it’s not bad form, whatever.
“He knows when he is fine and when he’s not. You know how many meetings, games and training sessions we have had together. It’s not about that but sometimes Ruben gives you something, Manu gives you something. It’s not about that he gave us one point against Arsenal, two points against Wolves for the goals he’s so important. Having a sense of goal – incredible in the box. It’s not about that.
“John appreciates an incredible amount of things that he does for us. I’m so happy to have him with us.
Guardiola gives Sparta verdict
City take on Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night and the home side are heavily fancied against the Czech outfit.
Currently, they are second in their domestic league and are expected to challenge for the title again this season. they have 38 to their name in their history.
In the Champions League so far, Sparta have done well. They beat RB Salzburg 3-0 in their opening game, and then drew 1-1 with Stuttgart.
Guardiola said of Sparta today: “I didn’t know Sparta since the last two days and I started to watch them, and I have a good impression of them…”
Rodri admission
City fans were left gutted when Rodri was ruled out for the season with injury, and we are now seeing the team try to adapt without the influential Spaniard.
There is potential for his absence to really sting, given how consistently brilliant he is.
But Guardiola is pleased with how the team has coped so far. He said: “More than happy! There are many, many things I like a lot. In the bad moments, to understand what they are doing not good and what we have to improve. And still we are there…”
