As Manchester City prepares for a crucial Premier League showdown with Everton, manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the media with key updates on player fitness, individual form, and squad dynamics. While City’s eyes are set on climbing to the top of the table, Guardiola remains both realistic and reflective—acknowledging Erling Haaland’s scorching form can’t last forever, while celebrating Jack Grealish’s resurgence even as he sits out this weekend.
City Targets Top Spot Amid Injury Concerns
Manchester City could temporarily reclaim the Premier League summit with a win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Guardiola’s side is riding a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, but the manager is keeping expectations measured due to ongoing injury concerns.
Rodri remains sidelined, with no clear return date. “No news. He is not ready for tomorrow,” Guardiola confirmed. Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, is expected to play a limited role. “Maybe 50-60 minutes,” he suggested, emphasizing the need to ease the midfielder back into rhythm. As for Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, Guardiola hinted at imminent returns, saying, “They trained yesterday and they are much, much better. They are close to a comeback.”
Grealish’s “Massive” Impact Draws Guardiola’s Praise
Jack Grealish has been turning heads during his loan spell, and Guardiola didn’t hesitate to praise the England international for his renewed influence.
“His impact has been massive since day one,” Guardiola said. “He is playing well – it’s what he wanted.”
Despite his excellent form, Grealish won’t feature this weekend due to loan rules preventing him from facing his parent club. Guardiola expressed frustration with the regulation: “They’re the rules. When I will be a CEO or president of a big institution in England, maybe I will change it.”
Haaland’s Hot Streak “Unsustainable,” Says Pep
Erling Haaland is in frightening form, having netted 21 goals in just 12 appearances for club and country this season. Yet Guardiola knows the striker can’t stay red-hot forever.
“He is doing really well right now. But you cannot sustain this level always,” he admitted. “When he is going to drop, I will be there. We will be there.”
Still, Guardiola sees long-term positives, especially with Haaland’s sights set on leading Norway into the next World Cup. “To go to the World Cup in the United States for him and Norway, it’s really, really nice and important,” he added.
Young Talent O’Reilly Earning Recognition
Nico O’Reilly is one of the young names steadily rising within the City ranks, and Guardiola is cautious yet optimistic about the midfielder’s development.
“The games he has played are at a higher level,” Guardiola noted. “But young players always have to be careful of compliments. Being stable mentally is the most important thing in modern football.”
The 18-year-old is reportedly on the radar for England’s national setup. Guardiola praised O’Reilly’s composure, adding, “Nico is a really stable guy and that’s really important, especially going to the England squad with Thomas for the first time.”
