Pep: Fighting for Champions League Qualification is Not Bad
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, says his team’s situation could have been much worse and does not see fighting for a Champions League spot as a bad thing.
According to reports, Manchester City will face Everton at Goodison Park in the 33rd week of the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola confirmed in a pre-match press conference that Ederson, Manchester City’s goalkeeper, will miss the upcoming match against Everton. He said: “I don’t know how long he will be out.”
Regarding Erling Haaland’s readiness, Guardiola added: “He won’t be ready for the upcoming matches…”
On Goodison Park, Guardiola said: “Goodison Park, like all traditional English stadiums, is very special. When you go to Fulham or Villa Park, you feel the atmosphere is unique. But clubs progress, and I’m sure Everton’s new stadium will be more comfortable and beautiful, though it will still be a tough place to play.”
On Everton, Guardiola said: “Sean Dyche has done an incredible job. I won’t forget the difficult situation he inherited and how he saved the team from relegation. David Moyes’ influence has also been amazing, both at West Ham and throughout his coaching career. He has achieved great results, and his tactical approach is very clear and tough. This week is very important for us.”
On recent Champions League matches, Guardiola said: “I enjoyed the matches, they were really beautiful games! I miss it, but I accept it. I don’t complain much about what life gives me, whether in good or bad moments. Sometimes you don’t perform well in sports and don’t deserve to be in a competition. I hope next season we can be in Europe, compete with big teams, and be better than this season and the last seven years. That’s what I think.”
“I don’t think fighting for a Champions League spot is bad! If we hadn’t done well in these last four or five months, we could have been much lower in the Premier League, maybe 11th, 12th, 13th, or 14th! I have no doubt about that. Everything is in our hands, and of course, Goodison Park and Villa Park are very important. We don’t have much time left.”
On Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden’s availability for the Everton match, Guardiola said: “They are back. Phil trained on Thursday, and today was his second session after Old Trafford. Manu has also trained with us for two or three sessions, and I see him moving very well.”
On John Stones and Nathan Aké’s readiness, Guardiola added: “They haven’t returned yet. They’re feeling better, but they’re not ready.”
