Tag Archives: PEP GUARDIOLA

“I don’t know when Jesus will return” – Man City Boss, Pep Guardiola admits.

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty over the injury of Gabriel Jesus even though, Pep Guardiola is confident Gabriel Jesus’ injury will not rob Manchester City of their momentum.

City’s have found greater consistency in recent weeks with new signing Jesus at the heart of their improved form.

But the impressive 19-year-old, who has scored three goals in five appearances, now faces up to three months out after breaking his foot in Monday’s Premier League victory at Bournemouth.

Manager Guardiola said: “We played Tottenham without Gabriel and we played really good against one of the best teams in the Premier League. We did very good things with Gabriel but also without him.

“So I am sad and also I am sad for him. Like (Ilkay) Gundogan, we miss them a lot, it’s tough for them.

“But we had seven strikers, we are going to use another one and of course Sergio (Aguero) will be so important for us.”

Jesus is now in Barcelona having been operated on by renowned surgeon Dr Ramon Cugat.

There is a possibility the youngster could be back in action before the end of the season but Guardiola admits he is unsure.

He said: “He comes back when he is fit, I don’t know, at the end of the season or next season. People say between two and three months.”

Man City Is Guardiola’s Biggest Challenge – Puyol

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The former Barcelona captain believes the Spaniard will “change football in England” and that he isn’t afraid to play direct football despite a penchant for a passing style

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes Pep Guardiola has taken on his greatest challenge in the Manchester City job.

Puyol enjoyed four successful seasons under Guardiola at Camp Nou, winning three LaLiga titles and the Champions League in 2009 and 2011.

Guardiola then went on to enjoy further success with Bayern Munich, lifting the Bundesliga trophy in each of his three seasons, although glory on the European stage eluded him.

 

Now at City, Guardiola has made a strong start to his tenure, winning his first 10 matches in all competitions before a 3-3 Champions League draw at Celtic preceded a 2-0 loss at title rivals Tottenham.

After dominating in Spain and Germany, Puyol says Guardiola has his work cut out to repeat the feat in the Premier League but backed his former coach to oversee a cultural change in English football.

“It’s the biggest challenge for Guardiola but I think he will change football in England,” he said.

“A lot of people say football is different in England to other countries but the way Guardiola works and puts pressure on his players will change football here a bit.

“His biggest challenge is to change the direct style of football. Now in England the football is more direct, with big centre-backs. I couldn’t play there because I’m too small.

“Guardiola wants to start playing from the back with intelligent play from the goalkeeper. It doesn’t mean he won’t play long like against Manchester United when they scored a goal with three touches, but it’s the whole style. He is based on ball possession and playing from the back.

“I have seen his influence on the team very quickly. He is doing very well, he has very clear ideas which he tries to transmit to the players. He is the best coach I ever worked with and I’m pleased to see him in England.

“There are a lot of coaches worse than him. He puts a lot of pressure on the players but the players feel free under Guardiola. It’s tough but I understand football like that, I enjoy it.

“Guardiola thinks everyone can improve and play at a higher level – and every player improves with him. It also motivates the players to improve.”