Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland off the pitch, feelings on Manuel Akanji – Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s Pre-BSC Young Boys press conference (UEFA Champions League)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media ahead of Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash with BSC Young Boys.

Manchester City travel to Switzerland to face BSC Young Boys for the first time in both clubs’ history on Wednesday evening, with Pep Guardiola’s side currently unbeaten in their last 16 European fixtures. 

The Blues could move another step closer to knock-out stage qualification in midweek, having already won their opening two games against both Crvena zvezda at the Etihad Stadium and RB Leipzig in Germany. 

Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku both scored late goals having come on from the substitutes bench to help Manchester City to a 1-3 victory at the Red Bull Arena prior to the recent international break. 

BSC Young Boys, who play on an artificial pitch at their home ground known as the Wankdorf Stadium, are winless in Group G so far, with one draw and one defeat to their name. 

Manchester City returned to winnings ways themselves in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, having suffered three successive domestic defeats.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping for another victory on Wednesday evening and ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash in the Swiss city of Bern, the 52-year-old head coach addressed the media.

Here is every word from Pep Guardiola’s pre-match Manchester City press conference at the Wankdorf Stadium!

On the Wankdorf Stadium’s artificial surface

“It is what it is. UEFA allows us to play so it will be good conditions. That’s why we made an exception for training, to feel how the ball runs. Grass is better. 99% of teams in high level play on grass.”

On Jack Grealish

“No doubts over Jack’s quality and what he’s done for us. Arrived a little bit late this season. Needs his rhythm, can’t go after two or three sessions like (Phil) Foden, Bernardo (Silva). He will be back and we’ll use him. He’ll help us. He knows there is competition.”

On competition for places in the Manchester City squad

“They have an incredible relationship together. They compete for one position, and have to convince themselves. Sooner or later the opportunity comes and you need to be ready.”

On the impact of the Treble on Manchester City

“We compete really well in all games, otherwise we wouldn’t be close to Spurs (at the top of the Premier League). Everyone is different; when you start the season after a poor season last time, you give everything. We wouldn’t be close to the top and six (points) from six in the Champions League if we didn’t have the right mentality.”

On Erling Haaland’s fame/success off-the-pitch following Beats commercial release

“A question for him. The same with us all the time. Down to earth, lovely guy and still the right mentality to score goals, to help us achieve. It’s normal when you’re young and have his character for commercial stuff.”

On BSC Young Boys

“So aggressive team. They don’t sit deep. Really tall and physical team. Link really well with the strikers. They attack so strongly, especially down the sides. Can play five or four at the back. In this stadium, with their support, it will be a tough game.”

On winning the Champions League with Manchester City

“Yeah it was good. What can I say?”

On Manuel Akanji

“We were so lucky to get him last season (from Borussia Dortmund). We moved quickly to sign him. What a signing! A lovely guy, can play in two or three positions, central defence, but also right-back, holding midfielder. Open minded, so intelligent. It’s a joy to work with him.”