Home GeneralGuardiola on Haaland, having to 'defend' club and facing former players

Guardiola on Haaland, having to 'defend' club and facing former players

by Ralph
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Galatasaray at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Guardiola confirmed they will assess Nico Gonzalez in Tuesday training to see whether he is available.
  • He also said he "did not have dinner" with striker Erling Haaland so could not say whether he is ready for this match, but added "the team" are the reason for his lack of goals from open play as they need to "create more chances" for him. However, "never underestimate strikers as they will always make you silent".
  • On his comments about Premier League debutant referee Farai Hallam: “They [officials] defend each other, completely understandable. They have to. But sometimes I have to defend my club. How many times did I criticise referees last season – the worst season in 10 years? Never. After [the defeat by Manchester] United, how were my comments about the referees? I was incredibly respectful in 10 years about referees. I never commented anything. When I do it, I have arguments to do it, that’s the only reason why.”
  • He added: "Never in 10 years do I criticise. Why have I done it this season? Because of results and defending my club and players. I know it is not easy. Six minutes for a disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup, I had to tell him. We have to defend ourselves."
  • With their current position just outside the top eight of the Champions League table, Guardiola said he would "prefer to have more points" but they have "what we deserve" and just need to focus on winning their game "and see where we finish".
  • On former players Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane returning with Galatasaray and the impact they had at City: "Not bad at all [impact during time at club]. Huge contribution. Grateful eternally for them. Incredibly lovely persons. Incredible team-mates. Happy to see them back tomorrow."
  • Asked whether them being able to speak to their coach about Guardiola's tactics would be an advantage, he responded: "They should do it. I would do it. We know each other quite well. But, for sure, they don't exactly know what players will play tomorrow and the way we will attack tomorrow. Unless we have a spy to tell them, then they don't know."

Follow all of Tuesday’s Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news

Listen to full commentary of Man City v Galatasaray on Wednesday from 20:00 GMT on BBC Sounds

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