Guardiola was unable to call on four players for Saturday’s game with Liverpool and while there are hopes that Jack Grealish could be in contention to face Leipzig if he recovers from illness, it may be too soon for Mateo Kovacic. As City look to cope without Stones – who will be eased back into action despite making the bench against Liverpool – the manager has indicated that Rico Lewis will be given an opportunity on Tuesday night.
The manager will likely be asked questions about who could be available to him during in today’s media briefing. He’ll also be joined by Joski Gvardiol who will also take questions.
Gvardiol’s start to City career
All I have to say to him is amazing words. He’s amazing, just like Mateo and Matheus, how he settled, Oscar Bobb comes in first. Changing the value is difficult. He performs at an elite level. I occasionally move, and Manu or Ruben doesn’t play with Nathan. Nathan’s ability to play every three days is so crucial. Significant, incredible, for the Leipzig match.
We make the build-up with three, so of course he can play center-back. To build up as a center defender, I have Nathan and Josko on the left side. It takes a fullback to defend. He was a full-back when I first saw him three years ago.
De Bruyne update
If he said January, it’s January. I’d love to have him for more of the season. If he says, it’s a happy new year for everyone.
Will he benefit from a break?
I don’t think so, I think he prefer to be with us. Football, he is not 21 anymore. Time runs, unfortunately is injured and has to recover well, prepare well and we’re not expecting after one week to be perfect. Step by step, to have him from the beginning, the bench, always a good weapon. I won’t discover the quality of Kevin.
Fewer clean sheets
The only game we concede a lot of goals and chances was Chelsea. The rest is the same averages as last season. Like Liverpool concede two shots on target, Wolves one shot on target. Our average is good. I give credit to Chelsea, not just our mistakes. The rest is similar.
Injuries – playing more directly
Jeremy uses a one-on-one approach with his skills. We weren’t, in my opinion; for certain players, the talent can be more obvious. Gundo and Kevin were more straightforward. We’re doing pretty good; it’s comparable. Though we’re not the best team in the league, the performances have truly pleased me. If I weren’t happy, I would say. The transitions were excellent in the match against Chelsea. Our pushing was ineffective, and our transitions were shoddy. We generate numerous opportunities with respect. All in all, I’m happy.
Team news
As we have training this afternoon, we will see. We’re in day two of recuperation, so nothing will be done. Good news doesn’t fill me with optimism. This afternoon, we’ll see.
I’m not optimistic about good news. We will see this afternoon. I think the same people as Liverpool. John Stones is getting better. Not to play, maybe a few minutes. Really close to coming back.
What impact did Venables have on you?
Not much, I was 13 so not thinking I would get to play for Barcelona and not for a second to be a manager. I see the game like they run a lot, pressing, set pieces. So physical team and changed shapes. I thougt how fun is my clubs winning games. After I learn it, I saw Gary Neville and Gary Lineker, and Southgate, you realise the impact was important,
Strong team?
We have to win or draw. The first step is done for both sides, congratulatinos Leipzig. Important to finish first, prestigious and second leg of last 16 at home. Not decisive, but a little advantage.
Statue tribute unveiled tomorrow
Show how good this club, three legendary persons. Mike Summerbee will be there and will be satisfied, not just for him but for Bell and Lee. Perfect for all the families. How many clubs don’t do this, we are fortunate to do it for them.
Terry Venables tribute
As a Barcelona fan he gave us the La Liga after 11, 12 years. His impact was incredible there, introduce something never before. A certain type of pressing and the set pieces – how many goals the centre back scored. A true gentleman, people live with him. I was a ball boy, just gave balls to his players. Unfortunately couldn’t win the CL in that time aganist Steaua. A big loss for English football, thoughts to his family. I read a lot how many players talk about him, really impressed.
In that time I was 13, 14, the first time I saw us win the La Liga, many years not possible. The impact in that short time, was not long, but the impact in the way they play – I remember talking to friends of mine who played with him. Not just as a manager, but as a person so funny. In programmes, singing and dancing. A proper man. I’m so sorry for his family.
Guardiola’s atmosphere calls
Guardiola gestured to the City crowd on Saturday for more noise on a slightly-flat afternoon, but played down that call after the game.
A Champions League group game with qualification secure doesn’t strike as a fixture that will generate an electric atmosphere, so Guardiola may be asked about the role of the fans today.