Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s pre-Crystal Palace press conference

Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend after an entire midweek off from competitive duties with a trip to Selhurst Park.

Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their promising run of form last weekend, dispatching of a difficult test in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United – who were looking to bounce back from Carabao Cup final disappointment.

A stunning solo goal from Phil Foden opened the scoring in the first-half, before a second strike from substitute Bernardo Silva held off a concerning Newcastle fight-back in the latter 45 minutes to take all three points.

That victory ensured Manchester City kept pace with Arsenal at the weekend, after the Gunners came back from 0-2 behind at home to AFC Bournemouth to win 3-2 courtesy of a last minute goal from Reiss Nelson.

Patrick Vieira’s side are in a torrid run of form across competitions, and are currently without a competitive win since December 31, when they secured a 0-2 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

That run of form means Crystal Palace are just five points clear of the relegation zone, and defeat this weekend could mean serious questions are asked of their manager as they enter a crucial phase of the season.

Ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action, Pep Guardiola has faced the media in his traditional pre-match press conference, addressing a number of topics including Kyle Walker, travel arrangements amid snow disruption, and Joao Cancelo.

Here is every word from the boss at the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon!

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On Patrick Vieira and Crystal Palace

“I’ve not been with him (Patrick Vieira) in the locker room, but his experience as a football player… He was in France, already had big experience, and with Crystal Palace he’s done a really good job.”

“In the Premier League, every game is difficult, at home as well. Crystal Palace; we struggle a lot to get results.”

On Phil Foden’s fitness

“Yeah, apparently he’s okay, yeah.”

On the Kyle Walker incident

“It is a private issue. We’ll solve it internally with him. This is not the place to discuss private issues.”

On whether players need to be careful in public

“Yeah, definitely, it’s completely different from years ago. They know it. When you open the door at home, they need to know they will be filmed, whatever they do. That is society.”

On Joao Cancelo

“Joao is a player for Bayern Munich. I don’t have any comments. He’s at Bayern Munich. At the end of the season, we will review all the cases of players.”

On travel to London

“It was that day (ahead of Tottenham away last month), it took six hours from here (Manchester) to the hotel. But we didn’t lose to Tottenham because of that trip. That day, for many reasons – the traffic, delays to trains – many hours, that day it took six hours.”

“No (change of plans due to snow). We will travel by plane in the night and hopefully we land safe and go to the hotel.”

On reuniting with Manuel Pellegrini at City’s training ground

“I said for Enzo (Maresca, Manchester City coach) for him to come to my office. He was busy with training and could not see him, but we have a good relationship.”