After back-to-back defeats to Bodø/Glimt and Manchester United, Manchester City need to get back to winning ways today against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad. Manchester City’s past two performances have been well below their usual high standards. There are mitigating circumstances that have contributed to Manchester City not reaching their usual high standards in terms of their performances. Injuries and fatigue have been a big factor. Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s match against Wolves, Pep Guardiola has launched a passionate defence of his team after their past two matches.
Pep Guardiola has launched a passionate defence of his team.
First of all, Pep Guardiola told the media that his team is extraordinary and he has a special group of players. Speaking about his team, he said: “I have an extraordinary team and extraordinary group of players. We are all together and we are a fantastic football team. I have no doubt about that.”
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This week also saw the Manchester City leaders refund the City travelling fans match tickets for the defeat against Bodø/Glimt. The move from the City leaders seemed like a hollow gesture and one that wasn’t necessary. The Manchester City manager praised his leadership group of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland. Pep Guardiola told the media that City’s current leaders are among the best he’s ever had during his time as City manager: “It is one of the best groups of captains that this Man City has since I was here. Bernardo, Ruben, Erling and Rodri are extraordinary in many details, how they are close to the club, to the team, to do the decisions for the best.”
Guardiola defends Rodri and says that he knows what has happened to his team.
Lastly, Pep Guardiola defended Rodri’s performances. Rodri hasn’t been at his best in the past two games that Manchester City have played. Also, the City manager has told the media that he knows what he is going wrong with his team. Speaking on the Rodri situation and more, Guardiola said: “Eleven months injured. Give him (Rodri) time. He remains the best. He needs time to recover. I know the reason why we’re struggling now, I know 100 per cent what happened with the team. Try to give a little more time and give it.”
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“Will it be enough? I don’t know, I know it’s a disaster having 13 points in the Champions League but eight teams have 13 points – one of them the best in the world – but it’s a disaster for us. I know why we are taking the results we are having.”
Guardiola will always defend his team and hopefully his support of his players lifts his team.
It is no surprise to see Pep Guardiola defend his team publicly. He has always done that ever since he became Manchester City’s manager. Guardiola will rarely tear into his team in the media. It is rare for that to occur. Pep Guardiola made his point yesterday and it will be fascinating to see how his team responds today against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad.
Manchester City need to respond today against Wolves. There is enough quality in Pep Guardiola’s squad to bounce back from a disappointing week. Yes, some of Manchester City’s key players are tired, but they have to fight through it. The hope is that Pep Guardiola’s defense of his team can lift his players out of their recent funk. You do sense that Pep Guardiola’s intention was to get a response out of his players. Hopefully, he gets that today in a match that City must win at the Etihad.
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Pep Guardiola was staunch with his defence of his team yesterday. The Manchester City will always defend his team and he did it once again yesterday. It will now be interesting if there is a response from the Manchester City players today against Wolves.
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