Pep guardiolas

REUTERS: Sergio Aguero will never lose his goalscoring instincts, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Wednesday after the striker found the net 10 minutes into his return from injury against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League. Aguero, City's record goalscorer, missed the start of the season following a knee surgery and suffered another setback against Olympiakos last month. Making only his fifth appearance of the season, the Argentine came off the bench to poke home from close range at the Etihad Stadium, taking his Champions League goals tally to 41. "His instinct to score goals will always be there," Guardiola told reporters after City's 3-0 win. "The important thing is he made a good three or four training sessions and the reaction after the training session was good." However, Guardiola said Aguero would not start against Manchester United on Saturday. "Step by step. What is important is how his reaction will be tomorrow (Thursday) after this … [Read more...] about Guardiola hails Aguero’s scoring instincts

REUTERS: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says his players can now fully focus on turning the tide in the Premier League during a busy festive period after securing top spot in the Champions League Group C with one game to spare. Guardiola's side surrendered their 100per cent record in the Champions League group on Tuesday but a goalless draw at Porto was enough to finish as Group C winners with a potentially easier opponent in the last 16. "In this period, this year especially, the Champions League was tricky. When you lose one or two games you have to go to the last game and during COVID that is tricky," Guardiola told reporters. "In all the games away we have played a really high level. In general, I am more than delighted with the performance in these games. With Champions League knockout matches not taking place until February, Guardiola's side can focus on reviving their Premier League campaign as they currently sit 11th - six points off leaders Tottenham Hotspur … [Read more...] about City’s Guardiola turns focus to Premier League after European qualification

REUTERS: Manchester City defenders John Stones and Benjamin Mendy must continue to deliver consistent performances to earn places in the starting lineup, manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday Stones and Mendy, who between them cost City nearly 100 million pounds (US$130 million), have struggled with injuries and poor form in recent seasons. "We know he's (Stones) got incredible skills. It depends on him to maintain this level," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match at Porto. "He struggled last season, he needs continuity to be fit, training, be ready. John could not for different reasons. Since day one he played against Wolves and played excellent. "Unfortunately, he was injured, struggled to come back because Ruben (Dias) gave us stability." Mendy completed 90 minutes in Saturday's 5-0 win over Burnley and even scored a goal but Guardiola said goals was the last thing he wanted from the Frenchman. "I want him to defend well, be fit and … [Read more...] about Guardiola challenges Stones and Mendy to earn City starting spots

LONDON: Manchester City are hopeful that Sergio Aguero will give them an answer on his Premier League future soon but the Argentine must focus on rediscovering his best form following a knee injury, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday. Aguero, who joined City in 2011 and is their all-time leading scorer with 255 goals in all competitions, is out of contract at the end of the season and can speak to overseas clubs from January. The 32-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in their 1-1 league draw at West Ham United last month, a week after making his first start of the season following knee surgery. "He's going to give us a decision (on a new contract). He's still not in his best condition. His injury was long," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's home Premier League game against 17th-placed Burnley. "He needs to be so sharp, the quality to score in the box we don't have doubts but he needs a bit of time, training sessions and the minutes he will have. "After that, … [Read more...] about Football: Guardiola says he expects Aguero’s decision on Man City future soon

REUTERS: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed his attacking players to hit top gear after sealing qualification to the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 victory at Olympiakos Piraeus on Wednesday. City have scored 10 goals in four games of Europe's elite club competition this season, as many as they have managed in eight Premier League matches, but Guardiola said he had seen enough in the clash in Greece to suggest they were improving. His team dominated possession for long spells before young midfielder Phil Foden finished off a brilliant team move in the 36th minute to secure the victory and maintain their perfect record in Group C. "We were much more aggressive to the goal. It's not easy when there are nine players defending. Everyone was so committed and we attacked with more desire to shoot, to score," Guardiola told reporters. "Unfortunately we could only score one goal but the team is alive ... We would love to do more, but one day it will come and … [Read more...] about Guardiola backs Man City’s attack to fire on all cylinders again