When attending the pre-match press conference against Bournemouth in the Premier League, Manchester City coach Guardiola talked about Rodri's injury, Haaland's status and the impact of the African Cup.
Talk about the team's choice of No. 6 when Rodri is injured
"When Rodri is unable to play, our first choice is definitely Nico Gonzalez, who has been improving. Unfortunately, he did not play in the game against Villa because his physical condition was not at his best. Before the game, he He was injured and had a foot problem. But I think he has a deeper understanding in this position and can bring us more help."
From Fernandinho to Rodri and Nico Gonzalez today, talking about the transformation of Manchester City's No. 6 position
"There is not much change, they can help me. To stay competitive in the Premier League, players with this kind of physical fitness are necessary for us. I believe everyone knows this. In Barcelona and Bayern, this need is much smaller, but in Manchester City, we need stronger physical confrontation ability. Very important. I have said many times that when Sane and De Bruyne were at their peak, or when Sane and Sterling were at their peak, our counterattack was very good. At that time, we did not have Mahrez, B and others. Now, we rely less on counterattack, but the basic things remain the same, people always say. 'You have to change, you have to change', but I don't need to change anything. I am sure that we can continue to do everything we have done in the past, we just need to do better. That's what we have to do."
Talking about whether other players need to share Haaland's scoring pressure
{. 4} "We do have alternatives. For example, against Swansea, I didn't play Haaland, and other players would score. If he doesn't play, you have to find alternatives. Of course, we have to improve the scoring ability of the forward line, and they know this, we discussed this issue, and ultimately Looking at the data, I think the players I have have the ability to score goals, Malmouche can score goals, Shirki can score goals, Foden can score goals, they perform well, but what really defines a top team or a top forward is their impact on assists and goals.""Because of this, we are very confident about the team. We are confident in our current situation. We are currently firmly in the Champions League promotion zone, which is better than last season. The next Champions League home games against Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are crucial. We have a good chance of directly entering the top eight. But I also think that even if the results are not satisfactory now, yes, we are now behind the top spot. Arsenal are 6 points, and they look unstoppable right now, playing bravely, defending solidly, scoring in different ways and in different positions, a lot of players scoring, but even so, I think if we can improve further, the gap will close, those close games. We will be able to win."
On Haaland still performing well when he has a heavy responsibility
"I think he will never get tired of scoring goals, maybe when there are a lot of games, he will get tired, give him a rest against Swansea when he is in good form, and if he is really tired, he will tell. I. Maybe because we couldn't do that at the beginning of the season, Malmouche was injured, but I can play with Shirky in the false nine and I feel like he's very suitable for that position. As I said, when we are all together, we can use different formations and play styles, and sometimes it depends on the opponent."
Talk about the potential of Nico Gonzalez
"He gets better when you are willing to be coached... not only for me, but also for the teammates, when he is willing to listen to the advice of his teammates, whether it is Rodri, they talk a lot, or Lijnders talks to him, or other situations , as long as you are willing to be coached, you will become a better player until your last day as a player. When you keep an open mind, some players are like that, and Nico is the perfect example. As for other players, you know, it is just a matter of character. "Some players I say very little about, but Nico always has an open mind and is eager to learn, so it's a pleasure to work with players like that. Our goal every day is to be better than the day before, it's possible, but to get better you have to keep an open mind if Standing on one's own laurels and never adopting anything other than what I know, I'm not that kind of person at all, and neither should the players."
On Malmouche and Aite Nouri's absence from the African Cup.
"This is the reality, the schedule is arranged this way, and they must participate in the national team's games. It has to be... I always try to solve problems when they arise, but I haven't thought too much about them yet. I have to make good use of them starting from the weekend games, and then next Wednesday and next Sunday, before the international break, we will make decisions based on the situation."Mini-game recommendations:Clash of Tanks