In this video
- Asked what Marc Guéhi will add, Guardiola called him a top central defender who plays for his national team. With the problems at the back in the next few months, it is really important he is here.
- Guardiola said he is pretty sure a longer contract at Crystal Palace would have made it impossible. Six months from the end made it easier, but both clubs had to agree and the player decide.
- Asked about the mood after the derby, Guardiola said United were better. Last season they had seven points at this stage; now they have 13 and a chance of the top eight, which he thinks is argument enough to focus.
- Guardiola said the inconsistency is normal, with 11 players absent and many here less than a year. Their seven or eight wins in a row came when the same four players could keep playing, which gives consistency.
- Guardiola said they have never trained in the stadium the night before since he has been in Manchester. Here the players have to see how the ball bounces and how the short and long passes run.
- Asked if Saturday was a one-off, Guardiola said United were better. He cited a top tennis player's nine weeks of rest before a season; footballers get nothing like it, and City have no time to train changes.
“…let me be clear, it depends on him, nothing else.”
- Asked how Haaland is feeling, Guardiola said the striker told him he slept unbelievably, so he is fit. How much more he can keep playing depends on his mind and his fire, he said.
Pep Guardiola press conference ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League League match vs FK Bodø/Glimt, giving insights on several key topics including the signing of Marc Guéhi, Erling Haaland’s fitness, and the importance of qualifying directly into the top 8 to avoid extra play-off games in February.
Guardiola praised Guéhi as a top-level, versatile central defender with leadership qualities and explained the timing of the transfer was ideal due to the player’s expiring contract and Man City’s defensive injury crisis. He also confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and ready, brushing off fitness concerns with his usual wit.
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