Guardiola on City's struggles, Haaland fitness and Amorim's Sporting
- Published
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game at Sporting (20:00 GMT).
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
On losing two games in a row: "I know our standards. We lost one game in the Premier League. Maybe we will lose against Brighton and Tottenham [next two league fixtures], but we lost one game and we are two points behind a top-class team in Liverpool. I know people expect us to win 38 games 5-0 and the Treble every season because this is our standards - but this will not happen."
On a season of struggle: "We have to accept we are going to struggle and it is fine. Every game will be more difficult than when everything was smooth. We won six Premier Leagues in seven years and situations change. It's the reality. The middle class in the Premier League rise unbelievably. The top-class teams were always there - add Newcastle and Tottenham, but after you see Fulham, Brentford, most of the teams."
On Erling Haaland's fitness and whether he needs a break: "He's fine, no problem. We have to occupy the news 24 hours a day. I don't think he needs a break."
On Ruben Amorim's Sporting: "The pattern is clear. Movements in behind are so dangerous - the pace and the control. Good inside, good switch of players and movement. Winning the Portuguese leagues after 20 years and then doing it again shows how good the job he has done here."
