Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s pre-West Ham press conference

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the media ahead of the midweek Premier League visit of West Ham to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

City will look to respond to the outcome of Arsenal’s midweek contest this week, as the Gunners aim to regain top-spot for around 24 hours at a very minimum by registering a victory over strugglers Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Last time out, Manchester City took advantage of playing before their Premier League title challengers, moving to the top of the division courtesy of a 1-2 away win over Fulham thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

That victory moved the reigning Champions one point clear of Arsenal at the top of the division, with a game in hand that will become two after Mikel Arteta’s side hear the final whistle this week.

The hosting of West Ham marks the start of a season-deciding month for Manchester City, as they also welcome Leeds United and Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, as well as facing away trips to Everton, Brighton, and Brentford.

The fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland’s pending Premier League records, and fatigue creeping into the squad were among the talking points raised during Pep Guardiola’s address to the media on Tuesday afternoon.

Here is every word from the boss while speaking at the City Football Academy!

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On Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake’s fitness

“Nathan (Ake) trained yesterday with us, he feels good. Kevin (De Bruyne) has started to move but didn’t train with the team. We have training in a few hours and we will see.

“Yeah (Nathan Ake will be available vs West Ham). Training at 4 o’clock (to assess Kevin De Bruyne).”

On Erling Haaland’s records

“Of course it’s good for him and the team if he breaks the (Premier League all-time goalscoring) record (for a single season). It’s a record because for a long, long time he didn’t break it. Maybe one day someone will break the one Erling sets because I think he is going to score a lot more goals in the Premier League before the end of the season.”

On managers getting sacked

“(It’s) Like every job. I think these kind of things happen in the past with a lot of countries. I remember when I was a player, the rumours, expectations, they give long contracts but then it’s over. Managers know if they don’t get results, they’re at risk of being sacked; new ones, old ones.

“We need results absolutely. If you are in this business, you have to understand, it doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are, you are in danger to lose your position as a manager. Taking risks with different tactics is a risk, but staying the same is also a risk.”

“You have to know it. Sometimes, football is less about tactics and more about the chemistry that you build. When the connection is good, results are good. Sometimes if the connection doesn’t work, the results aren’t good.

“We managers are not the only ones who feel pressure; directors, CEOs… Today is the reality. When you start as a manager, you know it. I’m sitting here, but if results weren’t good, I’d be sacked.”

On Manchester City’s hectic schedule

“I’m tired, but not in my legs like the players. There is one more month and a week for sure, we fight for two weeks more. We play this way for six or seven years, we are used to it. It’s not the only time we’ve play seven times in one month. It’s the best way to live.

“If a player is tired, then someone else plays. We are not tired. If you have positive thoughts, you are not tired. With just six games left, we have to recover and go for it. If one player is tired, then hands up and if not hands up, you’re ready to play for your mates.”

On focussing on West Ham

“I don’t control their results (Arsenal), I’m concentrating on West Ham. Maybe they haven’t done as well as they expected because last year under David Moyes they were exceptional, but the quality is there.

“Set pieces, they are maybe one of the best, scored three against Crystal Palace, Antonio attacks the channels. The weapons are there. The team is there, I don’t have any doubts. In one game, anything can happen so we have to be ready.”