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

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

City will look to close out the English top-flight game by preserving their extensive unbeaten run in the competition under the finish line, with one of the few teams to beat them this season being their matchday 38 opponents.

Last time out, City were held to a 1-1 draw on the south coast by the ever-impressive Brighton side, who celebrated a result that saw them confirm their place in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League campaign.

Phil Foden had initially given Manchester City the lead after several missed opportunities prior that opening goal, before an outstanding long-range strike from Julio Enciso got the hosts back on level terms.

Brentford away from home is the final contest in the Premier League for Manchester City, before Pep Guardiola and his players can then turn their full attentions to an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a Champions League final against Inter.

Ted Lasso, the team selections for the two finals this season, and a significant fitness update were among the talking points raised during Pep Guardiola’s address to the media on Friday afternoon.

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

---

On team news

“It’s getting better. They’re training tomorrow and we’ll see how they are. Nope (no one is definitely out). Some of them are half-half.”

On his team selections vs Brentford

“I will play the game as strong as possible. If the players are available, we will pick them.

On racist chanting directed at Vinicius Jr and racism in Spain

“They should [La Liga learn from the Premier League]. Here they are so strict [when fighting racism]. They know what they have to do. This is a problem everywhere… Thinking that we are better than our neighbours, we are better than the other one. For all generations everywhere. Our ancestors come from migrants, wars, dictators and have to move on from countries. Build families there and come back to where you’re born.

“The problem is that there is racism everywhere. Not just for gender, but for colour. Believing that our language is better than the other one, our country is better than the other one. We need to accept diversity like a human being – but right now, we are far away from that. Hopefully we can get better in Spain, but I’m not optimistic.”

“There are a lot of black people stepping forward to defending what they should not defend. Hopefully justice will do it.”

On Inter preparations

“I would say I saw a little bit last week, but not this week. I’m more focused on United. I saw the game against Chelsea and I started to review what they have done. To prepare that game, and see which players we have at our disposal.”

On his thoughts ahead of the two finals

“In my experience, the best way to play a final is to disconnect as much as possible. Even our physios and cookers, they need to disconnect. They are here working 10 hours, it is a stressful period. That’s why, go with your families, play golf, do whatever you want. You have to train few, but exactly what we did for the final. I go with my family. I don’t forget about football but… family time, good restaurants.”

“Whatever you do is fine. Now it is a question of relaxing your mind as much as possible and maintaining your game. That’s why Brighton and Brentford will help us. We will spend 30 minutes, 45 minutes on the training pitch and the game.”

On his team selections for the two finals

“I have a plan for United and or Inter. You have to prepare differently. I have to see how many players I have, if they are fit. After seeing United yesterday, I am really impressed. I would be careful anyway but after yesterday and the games recently, we are going to prepare the best we can.”

On his cameo on Ted Lasso

“As a family, we are a big fan; my little daughter and my wife, we enjoy watching the show. When they came to offer a cameo, I said why not, and I could meet the actors. One of the games they had, they came here and we had a chat, it was nice. We [Manchester City] are so proud to make Manchester City who we are. These are steps to show how we can [build] on the past.”

On the treble

“They know what position we are in. It comes once in a lifetime, becoming champions in the Premier League three games before the end and playing two finals. You have to relax and enjoy and do your best. No one can assure we will be in that position again.”

On Scott Carson’s new Manchester City contract

“We spoke this morning. He deserves it. He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions, especially after a game. We have him. In the locker room and with the staff you cannot believe the impact, we are very pleased to have him.”