Pep Guardiola spoke to the media ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League 2025/26 opener, addressing the return of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland’s leadership, and the challenge posed by Napoli under Antonio Conte.
Guardiola confirmed his excitement at seeing De Bruyne again, praising the Belgian’s vision and influence. He also shared admiration for Haaland’s evolution as a leader, noting his defensive work and long-term importance to City. The striker’s contract and maturity were key factors in his growing role within the squad.
The City boss dismissed any thoughts of prioritizing one competition over another, insisting every match is treated with maximum focus. Guardiola emphasized the difficulty of the new UCL league phase, especially with less control over external group results.
He also reflected on Rodri’s absence last season and the impact of injuries, while expressing confidence in squad depth with the return of players like Kovacic, Ryan Dears, and Nico Gonzalez. Guardiola praised goalkeeper Donnarumma’s experience and addressed the growing pressure on City to deliver consistently at the top level.
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The press conference ended with his deep respect for Napoli and Antonio Conte, calling them a top-class club with a serious European threat.
