Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s pre-Southampton press conference

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the media on the eve of his side’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

City will look to secure another vital three points as they begin the final push to secure a third consecutive Premier League title, with challengers Arsenal currently holding an eight-point lead heading into the weekend’s fixtures.

Last time out, Pep Guardiola’s dispatched of former Premier League title challengers Liverpool with ease, cruising to a dominant 4-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday lunchtime.

The build-up to that clash was largely dominated by the fitness of Erling Haaland, who sustained a groin injury that ruled him out of the fixture but also allowed for an impressive performance from Julian Alvarez.

The fitness of Erling Haaland was once again among several significant talking points at Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference, as the Manchester City boss previewed the weekend’s challenge.

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

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On Erling Haaland and the fitness of the squad

“The last part of the season – after the international break – depends on us, how many games we’re going to play, Premier League for sure, Champions League, FA Cup. Win and we’re in, don’t and we’re out.

“He (Erling Haaland) trained the last two days, really good. He will be ready. (Ready for the Champions League?) Bayern Munich is my last thought.”

On Southampton and facing different managers this season

“Many times unfortunately. If a manager was appointed yesterday, it would be difficult but they’ve played a few games with the new manager. The patterns are quite clear. Every team is playing for something, a fight for the Premier League, and a fight to be in the Premier League. Every game has its own characteristic and you have to be ready.”

“Southampton have always been so tough there (at St Mary’s Stadium). The game we made it to 100 points, they were much better than us, we’ve drawn before. It’s tough and I have a feeling tomorrow won’t be an exception.”

On the Premier League title race

“If we drop points, Arsenal will be champions in advance. If we win, win, win, we might be champions at the end of the season. We are used to it, it’s not a problem.”

On the benefits of playing before Arsenal

“I don’t think so. When we had title race with Liverpool, we sometimes played before some times late. We have to win our games.”

On whether he has taken Frank Lampard out for dinner

“No, we were in touch when he was at Everton but pretty sure now he’ll be busy. Maybe at the end of the season. Yeah, of course (it’s good that he gets another chance), an opportunity at the club he loves, a new challenge for him.”

On how much time he thinks managers should have to succeed

“I think that sporting director and owners make the decisions on managers when to sack him and how it works. In this country, when I was younger, it always had the tradition to keep the managers. What happens today with a lot of pressure for everyone, a lot of investment, in a way I understand there’s a lot of pressure. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It is what it is, you have to adapt.”

On the players Manchester City sold to Southampton

“Really impressed with what Romeo (Lavia) is doing. We had, and have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him but we though maybe he doesn’t get enough minutes like he’ll get in Southampton. (It’s a) good experience to play in the Premier League at an early age. So important. I’m so sorry for Juan Larios because he’s an exceptional guy and he’s been injured a lot.”

On never being sacked as a manager

“I will tell you the secret; we win games. If we don’t win games, I would be sacked. It’s not because my hair is better than the other ones. I’m not sacked because we win a lot of games.”