Facing the media ahead of the visit of Rafa Benitez's Everton side for the Sunday 2 pm kick-off, Pep Guardiola issued a worrying update on some of his key personnel, including Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden. The boss spoke highly of Joao Cancelo and Ederson and discussed the title race, international break, and Raheem Sterling's future.
Firstly, Pep on the injuries/illnesses/concerns:
"We have Jack [Grealish] getting better after he went to the national team. Phil Foden came back with a knock and a problem in his leg, but he is getting better. And unfortunately, Kevin [De Bruyne] got a positive covid test in Belgium and needs ten days. Jack, I don't think so [will be available]. Phil, we will see."
Pep on De Bruyne's positive test:
"We found out two days ago, he is here. Forget about fitness and momentum, he is positive now he has to recover. We have to be careful, people are dying from Covid, he is vaccinated so hopefully he will be okay. There is no concern about rhythm it's about the human being."
De Bruyne will miss the Everton and PSG fixtures at the minimum.
Pep on Raheem Sterling's future:
"Don't ask me from now on until the transfer window is open because I'm not going to answer them. Mine and Raheem's focus is on the games, I'm not going to answer any questions about what's going to happen in the future because I don't know what's going to happen."
Pep on van Bronckhorst becoming Rangers manager:
"Big compliment to him. Rangers is one of the greatest in Scotland. It's a huge opportunity for him. We are in touch and he came for a period here. He is a lovely guy, so I wish him all the best."
Pep on the international break:
"As a club manager, it is a dream because I got a one week holiday. Look at my tan, it's much better than at the United game. But at the same time, I'm concerned because every international break we're unlucky. Players come back from the national team and they get injured, this time is not an exception. We get them fit, they come back not fit."
Pep on whether this is a tough title race:
"Every season looks more difficult but we're still in the first quarter, many games ahead of us. In general, we've put in good performances, dropped some points at home because we weren't at our level. Now until January, there is no international break and hopefully, we can get a point and qualify for the Champions League [knockout rounds] and fight for the title at the end of the season."
Pep on Joao Cancelo:
"Of course he is playing really well. Consistent. His physicality, he can recover really well and play three times a week. But still, I have the feeling he can do better. Hopefully, he is open to accept that and we can move forward."
Pep on Ederson:
"Yeah [best goalkeeper he's had on the ball] with the quality of the pass, and especially with the right moment to hit the pass. He has the vision and the right positions to do it. Yeah [sometimes risky] but when it works everyone says how good it is. But when he makes mistakes we can not blame him because he's so important."
Written by: @NA1907_
All quotes as quoted by Manchester Evening News and Manchester City.
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