Pep Talk: “Some of them will be involved, some of them no. You will know tomorrow.”

Manchester City return to Premier League action. They face West Ham and Pep Guardiola gave his press conference to update on a various topics.

Let’s dive in-

“Some of them will be involved, some of them no. You will know tomorrow.”

“No. I see his position as central defender. If we have some problems maybe, but for now I want him confident as a centre-back.”

“I think for both teams. All managers want focus for 90 minutes. Fans help for the players to be there. It is what it is. We have to wait a bit longer. Every team with fans, without fans, we prefer playing at home.”

“The past is the past, we have good results. They play really well against Tottenham, not just the last minutes, even at 3-0 down they play with a lot of personality. They are in good form. Definitely they are in a good moment.”

“To early to know. It looks like there are unexpected results, but the situation is all over the world not just in this bubble. Everyone takes influence in the games. It’s only four games...”

“Before I came, the history of the PL speaks for itself - the most open league in the world. The last two seasons, two teams dominated with a big game between the other ones is an exceptional season. The normality will be back this season.”

“He’s settled good. He came from Benfica fully fit. He still needs time to get some situations, some ideas, some rhythm and process we need. He’s open minded.”

“All teams playing in Europe have the same problem. The schedule is crazy for everyone. I don’t know, I would like to answer you but three, four games in a row maybe I decide to use the same squad and other ones I make changes...”

“Right now, the day before, I don’t know my selection. We play tomorrow at 12:30, not much recovery, The guys train well and tonight we decide. There are niggles in some players, some coming back. Some come back immediately and others need time.”

Pep Guardiola on UCL being a disadvantage: “Definitely. This league is so difficult. The guys who have seven, eight games have more time to prepare. On the other side, we are competing for titles and this is how we have to live.”

Pep Guardiola on replacing Fernandinho: “A leader can be on and off the pitch. Except for 90 minutes, we spend a lot of time [together]. He can help in other ways. It looks like he will be out shorter than one month so it is good. He is tough.”

Pep Guardiola on coping with injuries: “When you have more of your squad, you have more chances to win. We’re doing what we can but it’s difficult. They want to create new competitions but, just two or three weeks to rest. This is the crazy situation for them.”

Pep Guardiola on players’ response to the schedule: I don’t know. I think the reason is maybe it can be for the exceptional situation that a short time you can handle it and the players need the warmth of the specators and normal routine. Maybe, maybe not.”

Interesting thoughts from the manager.

Keep it here for more pre match coverage.