“We are incredibly happy” – Pep Guardiola lauds Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez for World Cup heroics ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola congratulated Julian Alvarez on leading Argentina to World Cup glory ahead of a midweek Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool.

The Premier League champions will play their first competitive game in over five weeks on Thursday evening as club action finally resumes after the Qatar World Cup.

Argentina pipped France on penalties in a breathtaking final at the weekend, with Julian Alvarez collecting a World Cup winner’s medal following a stellar tournament for the 22-year-old forward.

Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are set to visit the east side of Manchester as the Reds face off against familiar opposition in the Round of 16 stage of the Carabao Cup.

Speaking ahead of City’s first game back in action after the lengthy mid-season break, Pep Guardiola hailed Alvarez for his contribution to Argentina’s third World Cup winning run.

The Spaniard said: “We are incredibly happy for Julian (Alvarez), congratulations to him and (Nicolas) Otamendi, personally to (Lionel) Messi.

“To Argentina, well deserved. We are delighted for Julian, he played a lot, his contribution was amazing. We have a world champion in our team.”

Sixteen Manchester City players represented their respective nations in Qatar and whilst some have since returned to training, a host of key first-team stars will travel back ahead of the New Year.

On when Alvarez could rejoin his City teammates, Guardiola said: “He will have a week, ten days off. Many games, lots of tension. He will have a break, maybe before the New Year (he will be back).”

The Blues beat fellow CFG side Girona in a friendly on Saturday as Kevin De Bruyne opened proceedings before setting up Erling Haaland to secure a 2-0 win for City at their Academy Stadium.

Guardiola’s men return to league action at the weekend with a trip to Leeds to keep up with leaders Arsenal, who are five points clear at the top of the table.

City suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in their final Premier League outing prior to the World Cup.

Ivan Toney scored twice to help the Bees cause a major upset at the home of the Premier League champions despite a Phil Foden leveller on the cusp of half-time.