Manchester City will visit Brighton, in the 29th round of the English Championship, this Thursday. Coach Pep Guardiola updated the physical situation of the team’s injured players and confirmed that top scorer Erling Haaland will not be available for the match.
“Erling is not ready for tomorrow. The other two (John Stones and Phil Foden) are ready,” he revealed.
The striker was absent from Manchester City in the match against Chelsea last weekend. However, the coach reassured fans and assured that Haaland’s injury is not serious.
“No, I’m not worried. It’s not a big problem, but he’s not available for that game.” he said.
PEP 💬 (On injury update) Erling [Haaland] is not ready for tomorrow. The other two [Phil Foden and John Stones] are ready. pic.twitter.com/AMkFJ8wg2G
—Manchester City (@ManCity) April 24, 2024
Guardiola also spoke about the clash against Brighton and his admiration for the team’s coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
“The admiration grows every season. They had a lot of problems, they sold a lot of important players, like Colwill, Mac Allister and Caicedo, they had a lot of injuries and played in three competitions. But the way they play is always there. What he did, he’s doing a incredible work at Brighton”, he said.
The Spanish coach ruled out rotating the squad and saving some players for the match, highlighting the difficulty of the game.
“Every player can play and deserves to play. I know everyone has their starting 11 or their favorite players, but everyone has their contribution. Now we’ve had three or four days since the last game against Chelsea and tomorrow is one of the most difficult times of the season, Brighton away from home. If you put it on my calendar, it’s one of the most difficult because of the way they play”, he explained.
Guardiola also spoke about the final stretch of the season and the importance of each game.
“Yes, it’s the part I like the most. But in November and December I like it too. Every game is adrenaline, every game is important. But yes, this is decisive. Now any mistake or every step backwards will be more difficult, but It is what it is. We have been here in recent years, fortunately many times. So we know that is why we play”, he commented.
The match between Manchester City and Brighton takes place this Thursday, at 4 pm (BrasÃlia time).
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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