As the players disperse to represent their countries in World Cup qualifying, we’re here to catch you up on what you might have missed from Sunday.
Ilkay Gundogan: “It’s a day full of happiness.” - Saul Garcia - Bitter and Blue
Ilkay is feeling good about the play on the field as he heads to Germany.
After another great performance the German star spoke about his performance and how he feels as a leader on this team.
Let’s check it out-
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this team, of this group of players,” said Gundogan.
“Obviously, when you’re able to put performances like that on the pitch then even more. It’s a day full of happiness.
“I had a feeling that I couldn’t put a lot of power to the ball for the goal because I wasn’t sure if the defender in front of me was able to get it or not.
“I just tried to head it towards goal. It was quite close to the goal so the goalkeeper didn’t have much time to react.
Ilkay Gundogan: “It’s a day full of happiness.” https://t.co/TqIPQzVpwt
— Bitter and Blue (@BitterandBlue1) August 29, 2021
CITY IN GOOD SHAPE AHEAD OF A TOUGH, TOUGH SEPTEMBER, SAYS GUARDIOLA - Neil Leigh - ManCity.com
And the boss likes how City are coming together. A aguntlet of tough matches await the players on their return however.
Following the international break, City face a demanding September schedule which will see the Champions play six fixtures across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
And reflecting on the first three games as well as looking ahead to next month, the boss expressed his satisfaction at the way the squad were shaping up.
“We would have preferred to have nine points, but what is important is not what we have done,” Guardiola asserted.
“OK, we have six points right now from just three fixtures, but we feel these last two weeks have helped us a lot to work again with our basics and our principles.
“And the people day by day and the way that they train in these two or three days, I’m really impressed.
“I said to the players: ‘Continue like this guys.’ I’m not glad with the result, it’s the way they behave every single day.
Pep Guardiola explains John Stones’ England availability despite missing Man City start - Stuart Brennan - Manchester Evening News
Pep feels that Stones’ fitness will benefit from training with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
Guardiola is normally adamant that his players do not play for their national teams when they have not been available for him, but he sees Stones as a different situation, feeling that going away with England will be beneficial for Stones.
“John arrived late, and after we come back for the second game he had a problem in his leg, he was injured,” said the City boss.
“And this week was the first week he started training in the week. Ruben and Aymeric have played so its good.
“It’s good for the national team - hopefully they can take care of him and he can take care of himself.
“And it will be important to maintain the training sessions, he needs and the rhythm playing with the national team will be good for us.”
Vicky Losada: “It’s exciting for me to start the season against Real Madrid” - Saul Garcia - Bitter and Blu
The former Barca star is ready to get going for Manchester City against her old rivals.
Vicky Losada could not be more excited to get this season underway. The Spanish star is looking forward to the Real Madrid match as the women kick off play soon.
Let’s see what she had to say-
“I’m very excited. I can’t wait!” she smiled, joking: “I don’t like the white kit too much!
“It’s exciting for me to start the season against Real Madrid – a Spanish team that I’ve been watching from the other side for my whole life!
“A goal would be nice! If someone offered me my first City goal against Real Madrid, where do I sign?!
“It’s going to be a very good game for women’s football – a great game for people to watch and to be shown on television.
“We are very focused on the game. It’s important to start well this season to gain more confidence to achieve our goals this year.
Vicky Losada: “It’s exciting for me to start the season against Real Madrid” https://t.co/np9l5dUQBZ
— Bitter and Blue (@BitterandBlue1) August 29, 2021
Ferran Torres Reveals Key Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero Advice Following Arsenal Brace - Adam Booker - City Xtra
Pep’ teachings are starting to take hold with the promising young Spaniard.
The 21-year-old made all the right runs, and found himself in high-quality spaces behind the Arsenal defence. Along with his manager, a certain club legend could be responsible for Torres’ emerging skills as a striker.
According to the Athletic’s Sam Lee, Torres claims that Pep Guardiola and Sergio Agüero have helped him with his movement over the past year, providing guidance on the type of off-the-ball runs he had to make to get into the team as a centre-forward.
“He makes movements like the best strikers moving behind, like Jamie Vardy,” Guardiola said about Torres after the match on Saturday.
Man City legend Sergio Aguero worked with Ferran Torres in training to improve key attribute - Elias Burke - Manchester Evening News
Kun helped hone his striker skills, but the staff originally likened him to another former City star.
Sergio Aguero worked with Ferran Torres in training last season to improve his game as Pep Guardiola spotted the natural ingredients to convert him from a winger to a centre forward.
When the Manchester City scouting team identified Torres, he was viewed as a long-term replacement for Leroy Sane, who had just departed to Bayern Munich.
At first glance, the Spain international might have seemed like a like-for-like replacement for the German international, having very similar physical attributes.
In the modern game, it is fairly unusual to find wingers who like to play on the side that corresponds with their stronger foot. When you look at Manchester City’s closest rivals, most star wingers operate on their ‘weaker’ side, allowing them to cut in and fire shots from all distances.
Agent Sergio. #MCFC https://t.co/95OIQwiOjy
— Manchester City News (@ManCityMEN) August 29, 2021
GOATER AND DICKOV HAIL GABRIEL JESUS’ ‘EVOLUTION’ - Caroline Oatway - ManCity.com
And finally, Shaun Goater and Paul Dickov like the way Gabby is coming along in his new role.
“Credit to him,” Goater hailed, speaking on our Matchday Live show.
“It’s what Pep asks of players – tweaking, taking one for the team – and he has adjusted his game, playing wide, giving assists and making deadly runs to be set up.
“He’s taking one for the team – you want to be central and get goals. He sacrifices a lot but I think his game has evolved and he is a better player for it.”
“Jesus has been fantastic,” Dickov agreed. “Centre-forwards playing out wide know where they want the ball – they know where they want to be to score it.
“Centre-forwards know how to deliver from outside and Jesus has done everything he needs.
That’s all for today, but check back here all this week as we keep tabs on the Blues wherever they may be.
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