‘Happiest feeling’ to see Man City improve after August losses, says Pep Guardiola

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Oct 3 he was delighted to see his team rebound after suffering back-to-back losses in August, with the club unbeaten in the last six matches in all competitions.

City have picked up seven points in their last three English Premier League games and scored a league-high 14 goals in their six matches, eight of which were scored by Erling Haaland.

“The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of their visit to Brentford on Oct 5.

“That’s the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again, the tempo, the pace. Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better and I love that.”

City have 10 points, three more than Brentford.

“(Brentford) are doing really well, so it is a tough place to go... at the same time, we are looking forward to the last game before the international break and will do what we have to do,” he added.

Guardiola, however, cautioned that City could not have their best players on the pitch all the time, referring to key midfielder Rodri playing only one full game since August due to needing additional time to recover. Ballon d’Or winner in 2024, the Spaniard returned in May after spending eight months on the sidelines due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Guardiola said earlier in the week that Rodri was unable to play three games per week, as his knee needed at least a year to fully recover.

“We cannot play with 12,” Guardiola said when asked if City needed more than one player to replace Rodri.

“I know Rodri is irreplaceable in many ways, but he already could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad, bad condition. That’s why... sometimes I want the best players there and fit, but I have to protect my players.

“Rodri will be ready for the World Cup and next year we will get the best Rodri.”

In other news, Brazil winger Savinho has signed a new contract with City, tying himself to the club until 2031, with an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.

The 21-year-old was a target for Tottenham Hotspur during the transfer window, but Spurs were reportedly put off by City’s £70 million (S$122 million) valuation. Despite struggling to hold down a regular starting spot in Guardiola’s side, Savinho provided 13 assists and scored three goals during 48 appearances last season – his first in English football. REUTERS, AFP