Pep Guardiola Provides Updates on Manchester City Players’ Status
In a live press conference, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on the team’s current status, the title race, and important matters related to players. The Spanish coach provided detailed updates on several players, including Nico O’Reilly, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland, among others.
According to Zamin, Guardiola discussed the substitution of Nico O’Reilly in the match against Wolverhampton, stating, "He’s played in many games. Sometimes players perform excellently but don’t appear in the next match. Others play less well but start regularly. It’s not punishment — we analyze each match and draw conclusions. It’s especially positive that our young players are consistently contributing." This comment suggests that Guardiola values the contributions of his young players and is willing to make changes to the lineup based on individual performances.
Guardiola also praised O’Reilly’s role in the team, saying, "Of course, it’s hard to imagine our results without his involvement. Nico is an important player for us." When asked about O’Reilly’s midfield position, Guardiola replied, "Undoubtedly, he can perform very well there too. Where will he play tomorrow? You’ll see on the pitch…" This indicates that O’Reilly’s versatility and adaptability are assets to the team.
The coach also addressed speculation about Kevin De Bruyne possibly joining another Premier League club, stating, "I don’t know. I wish only the best for Kevin and his family." This response suggests that Guardiola is focused on the present and is not concerned about potential transfers.
In terms of the team’s goals for the season, Guardiola emphasized the importance of securing a Champions League spot, saying, "6–7 teams are fighting for Champions League spots. If we win the remaining three games — we’ll reach our goal. It’s all in our hands." He also stressed that he is not thinking about the possibility of winning the Cup and finishing in second place, stating, "I’m not thinking about that. My only focus right now is Southampton. I think about them for hours every day."
Guardiola also praised Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer, saying, "Truly remarkable achievement. Anyone who knew him as a player knew he’d become a great coach. Competing with Bayern in Germany is already a big deal. He only lost in the Europa League final — stayed unbeaten otherwise. His team’s football and player growth are something Leverkusen can be proud of." This comment highlights Guardiola’s respect for Alonso’s coaching abilities and his achievements in the Bundesliga.
When asked about Erling Haaland’s comment about a "lack of hunger" in the squad, Guardiola replied, "If Erling feels that, it should be discussed among the players. We’re happy with results, but consistency is key." This response suggests that Guardiola values the input of his players and is committed to maintaining a high level of performance.
The coach also provided updates on the status of several injured players, including Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb. He stated, "He’s not yet ready to play with the team," regarding Rodri’s current condition. Additionally, he said, "Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are partially training, but not fully ready for matches yet." These updates provide insight into the team’s injury situation and the expected return of these players.
Guardiola also praised Mateo Kovacic’s performance this season, saying, "He’s playing wonderfully. Especially when alongside Bernardo, Gundogan, or Nico — he’s operating at a very high level." This comment highlights Kovacic’s contributions to the team and his ability to work well with other players.
In conclusion, Guardiola’s press conference provided valuable insights into the team’s current status, player performances, and goals for the season. As reported by Zamin, the coach’s comments suggest that he is focused on securing a Champions League spot and is committed to getting the best out of his players.
Manchester City will face Southampton on May 10 at 19:00, and Guardiola emphasized the importance of this match, saying, "The score is 0–0. It’s a very important game for us. Only three matches remain. We respect the opponent." With this match approaching, the team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Source: Zamin
