The Spaniard admits he would like to have a player who matches the club’s success status but is happier with his usual crop
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City don’t have a player like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo who can be a mathematician on their own – but he is happier with his squad at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard side secured another decisive victory on Saturday against Tottenham in contention, to bolster an impressive turn in form and secure their status as runners-up against the Premier League title.
With Manchester United and Liverpool both chasing their rivals over the weekend, Guardiola has spoken out for a convincing side solution to move back into controversy.
What has Guardiola said?
The former Barcelona boss insisted he would not remove one player from his regular squad – but acknowledged that he would like to boast someone among his ranks with a true superstar image.
“We don’t have players who can win the game on their own – we don’t have Messi, Cristiano, [Kylian] Mbappe or Neymar, “Guardiola said.” We have to do it as a team.
“I’ll be honest, I’d like to have a player who scores every four goals and runs like those players, I’d be very happy.
“[But] I wouldn’t change any player we have right now, this season. All of them. That is why I have often praised our captain Fernandinho, how he helps on and off the pitch to keep together in bad times.
“The big teams, the big players show it in the bad times, in the good times everyone is easy to play, and we had the bad times this season.”
The bigger picture
United’s attractive 1-1 draw with West Brom’s relegation fighters on Sunday looked, for many, like the last chest in their unlikely title draw, with City now seven points clear from the relegation zone. Red Devils and Leicester City with a game in hand.
It means Guardiola is firmly back in the driving seat for the third crown of the Premier League in four years, a moment of powerful confirmation for the Spaniards’ behavior after a slow start to the campaign.
City have now won 16 straight games, expanding their record for the biggest winners in a row for an English senior team in all competitions.
Guardiola’s men have also been unbeaten in their last 23 games in all competitions (W20 D3), conceding just six goals during this period.
City’s run has continued even though Kevin De Bruyne – widely regarded as the best offensive player on the team – has missed their last five league games with a leg injury.