Pep Guardiola is optimistic about his side's recent turnaround | Image Credits: IMAGO/ Every Second Media
Manchester City has had a scratchy start to the season as they find themselves in a mid-table position in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s men will now face Burnley and the Manchester City manager should be upbeat about it since the Cityzens have a good record against the Clarets in the Premier League.
The Sky Blues have strung together a few good results lately, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions, which included a tough trip to the Emirates Stadium. With more players returning to the first-team fold, City could have a good run in the coming matches.
Talking about the players’ availability for this weekend, Pep remarked, “Erling Haaland’s ready. Mateo Kovacic’s return would be a huge boost. A long injury surgery, but it's getting better. He's not fully ready, but (we’ll go) step by step.”
Scott Parker’s Burnley has had to navigate a tough schedule at the start of the season as they have already faced Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest in the first five league fixtures, and will now be facing Manchester City away from home on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a relatively tough start, the Clarets have collected four points so far and would aim to give their best against City as well. Guardiola praised Parker’s men and said, “Scott Parker has done an unbelievable job everywhere and in the Premier League, every game is tough. So, we have a good vibe in the team, and hopefully tomorrow we can continue.”
When asked about Kyle Walker’s return to the Etihad Stadium and the potential reception for one of the modern legends of the club, Guardiola said, “I'm pretty sure that everybody's happy to see him back in a place where he has been an unbelievable figure for us. He has been the right back who defined our channel here in the last 9-10 years. So, I'm pretty sure he will get the gratitude from our fans because he absolutely deserves it.”
Kyle Walker would be returning to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday | Image Credits: IMAGO/ NurPhoto
When asked if he rates Walker amongst the greatest full-backs like Javier Zanetti and Cafu, Guardiola replied, “One of the greatest in terms of consistency and no injuries, playing every single game apart from being an incredible figure in the locker room.
"So, one doesn’t realize for one week, one month, and like eight-nine years he was with us, we won six Premier Leagues, Champions League, 14-18 titles in that period. Kyle’s last season was tough for everyone, for him, for all of us. But I don't judge one behavior for a short period of time; he was unbelievable.”
Pep continued, “When he had to control that side, when he controlled that side with the winger, and he was focused. Oh my god. I just slept like a baby for the games. He can handle top-class wingers on the ball. We always tried to help him with the ball to read the situation, his long balls, his quality of pass, and everything. So he was, wow, an incredible right back.”
The Manchester City head coach also talked about the importance of Phil Foden, who has been a central force in attacking midfield since this season, especially since new signing Rayan Cherki was unfortunately sidelined.
He said, “Phil always took responsibility that we won. I remember when he was 17-18 years old, and started playing and training with us, I said that the guy wants to play every day because he was happy, and that is the best sign that he is ready.
The biggest example is the game against Arsenal, everybody was exhausted and tired because we ran a lot behind the ball, and we parked the bus. So in that moment, he wanted to play again and again. And when that happens, you know his physical condition and his recovery time is outstanding. His mind is ready, and he can play every three days with high intensity, at a good level. In the game we played against Huddersfield, it was again really good.”
