More games! This time the Manchester Derby! Pep spoke ahead of the crucial rivalry game and had many things to say.
Let’s dive in.
Pep on injuries-
“He is getting better,” he said. “Today we didn’t train and tomorrow he will improve.
”This morning he was with the physio and he said he feels better. Not perfect, but he feels better. We will see.”
“He is making big progress but still he’s not 100% fit,” the boss explained.
”He has to be ready and fit to play official games right now. Maybe that will be good [more EDS games]. I think weeks and games will be good.
”He will feel it first himself because every week he is getting better and after I will try to give him minutes to get back as soon as possible.
”But, for this game, no.”
Pep on the game-
“It’s always special,” he added when asked about the derby atmosphere.
”The situation this season is a little bit different because we are playing to improve and finish second, not to win the title. For them it is so important to qualify for Champions League.
”But it is special to improve, to prepare for the next game. Especially two knockout games at the end of the month against Madrid and Newcastle and to improve what we want to do.
”In Sheffield there were moments when we weren’t perfect, that’s why we struggled to attack more fluently. The moment we did it, we attacked better.
”Every game is a chance to improve. That’s nice. To do it against United, a big team in a derby, is the best way to improve.”
“It’s better to go there winning games,” he said. “Better to go there in the FA Cup rather than out.
Pep on Phil Foden-
“He is with us because he is ready to play in all stages,” said Pep.
“He is ready.”
That is it for this game. Huge game with big implications for Champions League spots.