Erling Haaland’s Ballon d’Or reaction, the impact of Jeremy Doku, Julian Alvarez exceeding levels – Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s Pre-Bournemouth press conference (Premier League)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

The treble-winners are back in action this weekend, fresh from thumping rivals Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League last Sunday, courtesy of Erling Haaland’s brace and Phil Foden’s late strike.

Manchester City could move to the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola’s side also potentially able to secure UEFA Champions League knockout stage qualification, next week.

The Blues have never suffered a defeat to Bournemouth, winning 17 of the 19 meetings between the two clubs, including 4-0 and 4-1 victories last season in Premier League competition.

As for the Cherries, they have won just one Premier League game so far this season, and sit 17th in the English top-flight table ahead of visiting the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were both on the scoresheet against Bournemouth last season, and the pair were a topic of conversation during Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference, as the Catalan addressed the media from the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon!

On what to expect from Bournemouth

“They played very well against Liverpool. Andoni Iraola did an incredible job at Real Vallecano, an alive team and not sitting back. The idea is there (at Bournemouth). Of course, training in the Premier League is a success for him. Hopefully we can give a good performance.”

On whether it is now harder to win the Premier League

“Every season is tougher. Better managers, better teams. But we are close, we are there. We still have 28 games to play and a lot of things can happen. But we want to get better.”

On Jeremy Doku

“He is so young, he listens, he improves. His impact has been really, really good. From the bench, his impact has been massive.”

On having a midweek break

“It’s nice to have one or two days off. We don’t complain when we have a lot of games.”

On whether Julian Alvarez has exceeded expectations this season

“When I give minutes, my expectations are high. The quality is there.”

On knowing Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola

“He’s had many years in different teams. He is so intelligent. I don’t see anything will be different tomorrow.”

On Erling Haaland’s Ballon d’Or reaction

“I saw him so happy to be a contender close to (Lionel) Messi and (Kylian) Mbappe and the rest of players. It was a big night for Man City. (Erling) Haaland has all his career ahead of him. He was really pleased to win there.”

On the win against Manchester United

“It was not easy, it helped to score the second goal. We have a lot of respect for (Manchester) United. We won it because he played a good game but that’s all.”