Pep Guardiola spoke to the press ahead of the Champions League Playoff second leg against Steaua Bucharest, and the Manchester City boss touched on many topics, including two important players he's been leaving out in the last few matches.
The Catalan manager talked about his plans to rotate the squad for the Steaua match, and he revealed that Yaya Touré and Joe Hart will have a chance to play on Wednesday. He also spoke about how the victories at the start of the season have helped him implement his style of play, and also gave updates on the injured players.
More importantly, Guardiola does NOT think the tie is already over despite a 5-0 first leg victory, and wants his side to play hard to please the home crowd and secure a place in the European Cup group stage.
Here's a rundown of Pep's quotes:
“In terms of long-term injuries, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan have little problems.We have ten days to work with them and improve their physical conditions. Hopefully, when we come back from the international break, they will be a full part of our training sessions.
“Bacary Sagna is not available. Against West Ham is it not possible for him to play. Maybe at Old Trafford.
“Joe Hart and Yaya Toure have a chance to play [against Steaua].
“We had 28 players in the training session. It’s difficult for me to leave players who deserve to play out. We’ve played tough games in the last week. I will make some rotations with the players.
“I have lot of respect for the opponents and I know what can happen in football.
“Everybody knows nothing is done until it is done. We are so happy with 5-0 but we have to take the opponent seriously and try to win the game.
“Look at the Champions League final with Liverpool and AC Milan - 3-0 at half-time and that was a Milan with many experienced players.
"I said to the players: 'I am sorry but we are not already in the Champions League. We could play and receive a red card inside ten minutes… then a penalty… then another red card ten minutes later!' We have a huge advantage but we will not play thinking it’s done.
“Results help us to be more calm. We have to try to play as good as possible to achieve the result.
"I was pretty sure we would be able to do that. Most of the players get it quickly, though we are a little bit surprised how quickly it has happened.
“We have to improve a lot but in the short time we have been together, we have made very good things.”
Source: ManCity.com