Pep Talk: “This is so important for us, having players who are fit,”

Pep Guardiola is back in his usual pre match press conference. He covered injuries, covid absences and how Oleks Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo have performed.

Much to discuss, let’s dive in-

“He is isolating,” said Guardiola when asked about Aguero at his pre-match press conference.

“After 10 days he will be back. Laporte is injured. Nathan is injured. Eric and [Adrian] Bernabe are isolating. Cole Palmer is isolating.

“The rest are OK.”

“Joao’s physicality is incredible. The day after a game he can play again with his regeneration. This is so important for us, having players who are fit,” Guardiola asserted.

“Last season he struggled with a new club and new ideas. He was confused in the beginning.

“He expected something we could not offer him.

“Now he has settled and is giving us what we need.

“He is a nice guy with a great heart.

“The last game (against Birmingham) he was tired, so he played just 45 minutes, hopefully tomorrow he can get back if he is selected.

“Otherwise, he has been outstanding (this season).”

“Alex (Zinchenko) can play there too (in Cancelo’s flexible role). Benjamin (Mendy) and (Kyle) Walker can play in this position. It depends on the opposition,” the boss added.

“I have to know he can do it for his qualities. He can do it and he can do it from the outside as well.

“The alternatives he gives us are so important.”

“He’s (Foden) playing like he has always played, with high standards in all departments. Still, big margins to improve, because it would be bad news if he couldn’t improve at his age. From day one until now we’re happy and delighted, especially with his behaviour.”

“Brighton are a joy to watch. A joy to analyse. I said to the players today, we have to be at a high standard to beat them. Forget the results we had in the past - they are better in all departments. They create more than they conceded.”

“Bernardo Silva is so intelligent. He can play everywhere, even holding midfielder. He understands the game perfectly. He understands each position he has to play. I am incredibly delighted with the two goals because he is fighting to score.”

Interesting stuff, Cancelo has been a great player this season, here’s to that it may continue. City and Pep know they need to pickup all three points in this midweek clash with Brighton. Now they have to go out and do it.