Pep Talk: “That would be huge for us....”

Guardiola spoke on a variety of topics this week. He touched on injury updates and even the Real Madrid Champions League clash.

On Leroy Sane-

“That was the next step, to go to pitch,” Guardiola said. “Then he will train with us and then full sessions.

“That [him being back to full fitness] would be great for us.”

“They have the same manager but they have changed a little bit,” he said. “They are quite similar in attack and it was one game away, anything can happen. We will try to go there and win.

“It’s important because we won the last two Carabao Cups. We are in the quarter-final, so we have a chance for a semi-final again.

“We travel tomorrow to Oxford. We played them last season and we will try to qualify for the next round.”

On David Silva and Sergio Aguero-

“David is not ready for tomorrow (Oxford) but we will see after that,” said the City boss.

“Thursday or Friday he could train for Leicester and then we will see.”

“Yeah, Sergio is coming back and is part of the session. It’s not like Leroy (Sane) of course, it’s different, but it’s the next step to be part of the training session with the team.”

“I don’t know. I think it’s the same as Aymeric (Laporte) - the process needs to be perfect,” added Guardiola.

“He’s physically strong, his body has recovered well. It’s the next step to be on the pitch, and then with the team.”

On Real Madrid-

“Of course, it is a special moment because he (Zidane) is one of the best,” Guardiola admitted.

“I dreamed as a player to play with him. It didn’t happen. I didn’t speak much with him - maybe three or four times - but my impression he is an incredible person. I admire him, it’s really good to have this kind of person. It will be a pleasure to see him again.

“(Playing Real Madrid) Is an incredible test for us. We will prepare as good as possible. We have to see in February what our condition is and what Madrid’s condition is. We try and play a good two legs.

“They have more experience than us in this situation but if you want to do well in this competition you have to face these teams. For us it is an incredible experience. I have confidence in my team to do a good two games.”

Thoughts City fans?