Pep Guardiola’s pre-Everton press conference part two

Redaction Willow Austin with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-02-09 22:30:00

Manchester City are gearing up for a highly-anticipated Premier League showdown against Everton at the Etihad Stadium this coming Saturday afternoon. The game is slated for the early lunchtime kick-off slot, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting clash.

The City players, under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, are currently enjoying a stellar run of form, having emerged victorious in every single contest across competitions ever since their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia prior to the Christmas break.

The team’s triumph in the Middle East appears to have set them on a path to success, with notable wins against Newcastle United and Brentford in the Premier League, as well as a landmark victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round. Their most recent win against Thomas Frank’s Brentford squad moves City to within just two points of league leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand still to their advantage.

Despite their recent success, Everton are not to be underestimated. Managed by Sean Dyche, they are known for their firm defensive unit and ability to play somewhat on the counter-attack. Their history of plucky performances was evident in their 1-1 result at the Etihad last season, proving that they could pose a very different kind of threat to City on Saturday.

In the build-up to the match, Pep Guardiola has highlighted the importance of midfielder Rodri, praising his quality, presence, and composure. The manager diplomatically addressed the methods he uses for team selection, referencing the strong squad at his disposal, and hinted at the challenges of accommodating top players like Jack Grealish.

Guardiola also stressed the need for a focused performance from his team, emphasizing that every game is crucial in the Premier League, especially in a tight title race. He urged his team to maintain their rhythm and character as they push for a successful conclusion to the season.

The manager also issued a reminder that past successes are not a guarantee of future achievements, insisting that his team needed to work hard in every match. Guardiola conveyed a clear message that, despite past glories, his only focus was on the upcoming game against Everton and the need to maintain a high level of performance.

As City look to continue their strong form and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, their preparations are in full swing to ensure they are ready to deliver an impressive performance on Saturday. The match against Everton promises to be a thrilling encounter that fans will not want to miss!

Read Original article on City Xtra