Ilkay Gundogan made an immediate impression on his Manchester City debut – but Sergio Aguero made a bigger mark on him.
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“I didn’t know all of the English people here, or the Italian people before I came but they are so professional about their work – our players are in good hands. Tomorrow I am going to feel that”.
However, Howe’s team will have to be on top form to even think about beating Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
But he proved his quality yet again on Wednesday, scoring his second hat-trick of the season as Borussia Moenchengladbach were beaten 4-0 in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium. Through four games, the Belgian has just a goal and two assists to his name, but has easily been the league’s standout player thus far, at age 25.
City’s “antipathy towards Uefa stems from sanctions taken against the club when they breached financial fair play rules. but Guardiola effectively told his supporters to get over it”, he adds. We can not make something good in the Champions League in the coming years without them. I’m very happy to be back on the field, back in the stadium.
Former United midfielder Keane, in his role as a TV pundit, suggested Guardiola should be regarded as the “Special One” and not the Portuguese.
The only change to the two teams announced for Tuesday’s game was City’s inclusion of Ilkay Gundogan in place of David Silva, who was rested “as a precautionary measure”.
Gundogan, who was not named in the previous day’s starting line-up but was drafted in due to the absence of David Silva on Thursday morning AEST, was quick to express his delight after finally making his maiden appearance since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the close-season.
‘I don’t think tomorrow he is going to be able (to play), but I don’t think it is a big problem, ‘ said Guardiola.
“Our fans, they have to know we play for them”, said Guardiola. “I think it was quite a good start for me”.
“All we can do is play better every time and then people will say, “I spent 90 minutes there and I had fun”.
On the other side, Bournemouth have recorded first victory of the season in the last round, after two losses and a draw in the first three rounds. “We will see tomorrow, today we are going to see the doctor and we will decide”.
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And on City’s 100 per cent start to the season, Guardiola said: “To win many games in a row in the Premier League is complicated…”
