Guardiola has now been boosted by some further positive news, as The Telegraph claims that the 28-year-old forward will officially put pen to paper this week to ensure that he remains at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2020.
Advertisement
That makes any extension with City something of a coup for the two-time Premier League champions.
Ilkay Gundogan came in for Silva in midweek and his manager explained that a late decision will be taken on whether the German global can play two games in a week.
Guardiola said: “I don’t know if I am the right person to talk about that”. I didn’t see the doctor and David.
“The fans have to know we play for them”. We can not make something good in the Champions League in the coming years without them.
However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach was disappointed to see so many spaces in the 55,000-capacity arena for a match that was once again preceded by City supporters booing the Champions League anthem.
Captain Vincent Kompany, out since April with a thigh injury, is close to fitness but Guardiola will not risk him this weekend. Our fans have to know we need them in the Champion League.
Argentinian striker is suspended for two more Premier League games, but Kevin de Bruyne showed against Manchester United that he can be the leader of the new Manchester City.
He warned that the Blues will be in for another tough assignment when Eddie Howe brings his Cherries outfit to Manchester tomorrow.
He said: “With my staff, the only demand is to work a lot”. We can not forget where we are – in September. Of course it’s not easy after such a long time out. “Today we created a really good performance except for 10-15 minutes in the first half”. “He’s going to help us and we are so happy to have him here”. I’m thinking about what’s going to happen tomorrow – what I have to tell, what I have to do, what do I have to train for them to be ready for our game. With Pep I will get even more chances.
Do you think these players will add quality to City’s already strong team? “Tomorrow I am going to feel that”. Injuries are part of it, it’s the way you handle these situations and I was always confident I would be back. That’s why our job is so lovely.
Guardiola went on to praise his medical staff and discussed the importance of nutrition and rest if you want to be successful across four competitions. “They’ve been very impressive”. “It doesn’t matter if I’m at 70, 80 or 100 per cent when the team needs me I try to push myself to the limit and play my best football”.
Advertisement
“We are playing really good, but there are other teams that are more candidates”.
