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

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the media ahead of his side’s penultimate Premier League game of the 2022/23 season.

City will look to continue their run of outstanding winning form as they embark on two meaningless top-flight matches, but outings that are essential for maintaining rhythm and fitness heading into two historic cup finals.

Last time out, Manchester City secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium courtesy of a Julian Alvarez first-half strike, before going on to celebrate their third consecutive Premier League trophy in front of their home supporters.

Brighton and Brentford are the two remaining games in the Premier League for Manchester City, both of which are away from home, before they can then turn their full attentions to an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a Champions League final against Inter.

The impact of Roberto De Zerbi in football, the fitness of Nathan Ake, and the future of Ilkay Gundogan were among the talking points raised during Pep Guardiola’s address to the media on Tuesday afternoon.

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

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On whether it is difficult to rotate the squad in the next two games

“The two teams we have to play in the Premier League deserve our attention and credit. We have some players with niggles. The finals are the main target. To play as best as possible, we have to be completely focussed in these two games, they are really good teams.”

On the opportunities for Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips to play

“Everyone, the influence for everyone. Five minutes can be as important as the rest of the minutes. Everyone has been involved for the fact that we are where we are.”

On how impressed he has been by Roberto De Zerbi’s job at Brighton

“A lot. Congratulations for this incredible achievement to be in the Europa League. Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team playing in the way they play, it’s unique. I have the feeling when they arrive in the Premier League, the impact would be great. I couldn’t expect in this short time.

“Creates 20/25 chances in each game. Monopolises the ball, everyone is involved, the keeper is like a holding midfielder. If you don’t play a high level, he can do what he wants. They deserve the compliments and success they have. I try to learn a lot, it’s unique, like a michelin star restaurant. The best cook in Catalonia changed completely the cuisine, Brighton is playing unique. Special, the way they move, a good incredible challenge for us.”

On whether Brighton and Brentford are overachieving

“It looks like it works. Brentford plays completely different to Brighton. We beat Brighton but they were better than us and we suffered. Brentford beat us thoroughly. At the end you have info. Of course, the data cannot give you as a person, mentality, the way they play. It has to be related to the manager they have. It’s more info, you have to smell it.”

On motivating the players in the remaining matches

“I prefer to be already champion, but maybe to be really committed against United and Inter, you need to be in contention to win the Premier League. They have the party after the game. I don’t know how they feel. They have to be ready to run a lot. The best way to prepare for the final is to be ready. The players set the standards, they have to maintain it. It’s normal the energy would drop.

“Arsenal play for just the Premier League, we have the FA Cup, Champions League, the energy we spend is massive. It’s normal you drop, have to avoid it or don’t drop much. Otherwise the two teams can hurt us. Play our game, adapt the way we play, arrive to United and Inter in the best condition possible.”

On learning from Roberto De Zerbi

“The time to make decisions. Brighton is a master in passing to the man free, but when. Moving at the right time. The best team in the world for the tempo and the pass to the man free. How aggressive without the ball, (Graham) Potter instils something really good. The way they do the process with the keeper. When the opponent move, I move, pass the ball. With the right tempo, they are the best.”

On the future of Ilkay Gundogan

“I cannot tell you because I don’t know.”

On Nathan Ake’s fitness

“Getting better. I don’t know for tomorrow or Brentford, but he is at the last stage. His second injury, you have to be careful.”

On where Erling Haaland has improved the most

“What he has to do is be happy and play the best he can for the rest of the season and next season. He decides what he can do better, I’m not concerned about next season. Try to be better and have the best mentality to do it.”

On Sergio Busquets leaving Barcelona

“No, this type of club is never the end of an era. Players arrive and leave. His impact as holding midfielder in 15/20 years is massive. This club has the talent to reorganise and rebuild. One title is not enough, Barcelona is difficult, they were able to win La Liga but lose the Champions League semi-final and is a disaster season. All the club push for the next steps, that’s when you become one of the best clubs in the world.

“He was the best, reads everything that happens, anticipated the situations. Didn’t move much from the centre, could solve all the problems with his brain. Fascinating to work with him and learn of him. I said privately, but I wish him… he will become an exceptional manager.”