soccer

Guardiola on Doku, having 'a rest' and Leeds

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leeds at Elland Road (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Jeremy Doku had his first training session on Thursday but Guardiola was unable to give a timeframe for his return. He said: "I don't know. We will talk to the doctors afterwards."
  • Otherwise, there are no new injury concerns with everyone "very good" and "trained really well in the last two days".
  • On facing Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League: "As much as you play against the best teams in the whole history of this competition, you learn and you improve and you're better in the future."
  • Guardiola said his players "have had a rest" in the last two weeks as they've only been playing on weekends but the training sessions have been "really good" too.
  • In response to facing Leeds, who have a strong home record: "Elland Road is Elland Road. We are ready for the challenge again. I've not been many times. Incredible stadium with a good vibe. There are a lot of Premier League stadiums that are traditional and this is one of them."
  • He said the late kick-off during Ramadan will play no part in his team selection as his players "will take care" and "know how to handle these situations" because "they are used to it".

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[BBC]

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