Here are five key takeaways from Pep Guardiola's press conference ahead of the highly anticipated Man City vs Man United premier league fixture.
As fans gear up for what has been categorised as the Manchester Derby (Man City vs Man United), Pep Guardiola, in his pre-match press conference today, Friday, December 13, 2024, spoke on key topics ahead of the Premier League fixture, which will be played on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Given Manchester City's poor form across all competitions since the start of the 2024/2025 season, Pep was once again in the hot seat, with questions about his future and plans for the champions in their attempt to retain the title for the fifth time.
What did Guardiola say at Man City vs Man United pre-match press conference?
Team motivation and spirit
Pep Guardiola did not hesitate to mention his squad's current "soul and spirit." He was full of praise for their continued perseverance amidst recent setbacks and injuries. He expressed pride in their dedication and called on supporters to stand by the team during challenging periods.
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Man City's injury update
Addressing the squad’s fitness concerns, Guardiola revealed that key players, including Rodri and Oscar Bobb, remain sidelined with long-term injuries. While he acknowledged the potential use of the January transfer window to strengthen the squad, he emphasized his preference for seeing his current players return to action.
Kyle Walker racism
Guardiola strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Kyle Walker following their recent loss to Juventus. He voiced his unwavering support for Walker and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to combating discrimination.
Striving for Consistency
Despite his side's poor run of form and continuous disappointing results, Guardiola maintained a positive outlook. He pointed out areas for improvement, such as minimizing errors, enhancing finishing, and achieving greater consistency. However, he also praised the overall quality of the team’s performances.
Importance of the Manchester Derby
Guardiola acknowledged the deep emotional connection fans have with the Manchester derby but stressed the need for his players to stay composed and focused. He recognized the challenge posed by their city rivals and emphasized the importance of delivering their best performance.
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