Games at Palace always difficult: Pep
LONDON • Despite suffering a setback in midweek after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Manchester City are still on course for an unprecedented quadruple.
So whenever his squad's character is questioned - even when the criticism comes from within - Pep Guardiola has to leap to their defence.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract expires at the end of next season, was scathing in his assessment of their defeat by Spurs, claiming the visitors were "not brave enough" in north London.
But, ahead of today's Premier League match at Crystal Palace, who beat City 3-2 in the league last December, Guardiola refuted his remarks, insisting that while "he (Gundogan) can say whatever he wants", he "absolutely did not agree" with them.
"We have been for 20 months incredible, two games in the last 24 lost. Twenty months, winning every three days, 180 points over the past two seasons," Guardiola said.
"We had two days' rest, they (Spurs) had six. Unfortunately, we could not score, but we have the second leg (on Wednesday) with our friends at home and we'll go for the semi-finals."
While he remains hopeful of turning things around in the reverse fixture, the title race must first take precedence, and the Spaniard knows that "Selhurst Park is always difficult because of the stadium and the quality of the players".
The City manager said: "We knew it weeks ago, how it would be between these important games. There are six games left (in the league).
"We know what we are playing for and we are going to see."
He also revealed midfielder Bernardo Silva and defender Oleksandr Zinchenko were touch and go for the meeting with Roy Hodgson's men. Silva, whose creativity was sorely missed against Spurs, has been one of City's standout players this term, but Guardiola will not take any chances with his fitness as their campaign draws to a close.
Calling the Portugal international an "incredible player", he added: "We will see today. Playing wide, he is a fighter.
"He's so intelligent and clever defensively. He knows when to cut back inside and, with the ball, he can do anything."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
CRYSTAL PALACE V MAN CITY
Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, 9.05pm
Guardiola isn't thinking that far ahead just yet and he urged his players to take it one game at a time. "Liverpool and Man City have done incredible so far so deserve the credit. We will have 80 points with six games to play if we win next week," he said. "We are going to do everything to win. No matter the next competition, we will win the game."
Guardiola salutes 'incredible' Manchester City
pembrokeexpress.com/2019/04/02/guardiola-salutes-incredible-manchester-city/
Guardiola salutes 'incredible' Manchester City Posted April 02, 2019 "I just think that whereas City when they are one up can get the football, pop it about and keep it for fun if you want, I don't think Liverpool with the trio of midfield players that they have can do that as well".
Pep Guardiola salutes gritty Manchester City | Football News
Football: Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri charged with misconduct
Mar 22, 2019 · England got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to the ideal start, with Raheem Sterling hitting a hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic at Wembley
England vs Czech Republic: Raheem Sterling scores hat-trick
Should You Play Hard to Get? Given these results, it appears that some of the behaviors and tactics associated with playing hard to get succeed in making someone more desirable as a date or
How to Play Hard to Get and Why It Works | Psychologia
Solskjaer extends perfect record as Manchester United beat
Football: Zohore gives Cardiff 2-1 win over Southampton in thrilling finish Cardiff City's Kenneth Zohore celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates. PHOTO: REUTERS
Zohore gives Cardiff 2-1 win over Southampton in thrilling finish
More racial abuse cases heighten calls for action, Football News & Top Stories revealed he "cannot wait to see the back of football" because of the lack of action taken against racial
PFA 'more must be done' to combat racial abuse | Goal.com
A lawyer for FIFA council member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron is set to file a petition in a Bangladesh court on Tuesday seeking bail for the official who has been arrested in a defamation case following
Bangladesh FIFA official arrested for 'defaming' PM Sheikh
England soccer captain Harry Kane received the MBE award on Thursday for services to football after leading the national team to the World Cup semi-final in Russia last summer.
England soccer captain Kane honoured at Buckingham Palace
Tim Visser aiming for European glory at his future home as Edinburgh aim for the Stoop. Tim Visser has agreed to join Harlequins next season; Edinburgh one win away from European Challenge Cup
English quartet aiming for home glory at Wentworth - European
Catch-up: Fifa Women's World Cup - Argentina hold Japan to goalless draw Play video Argentina v Japan from BBC Sport Video Argentina v Japan BBC Sport 2:15:00 10 Jun 2019 10 Jun 2019
Dogged Argentina hold Japan to goalless draw - World Soccer Talk
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/06/10/dogged-argentina-hold-japan-to-goalless-draw/
Paris (AFP) - Japan failed to break down a determined and well-organised Argentine defence in Paris on Monday in the first goalless draw of the women's World Cup. Japan, finalists in 2015 and winners in 2011, enjoyed almost two thirds of possession, but only forced two saves from goalkeeper Vanina Correa.
Argentina hold Japan for historic first World Cup point
0 comments:
Post a Comment