John Stones fitness, 2023 reflections, Sheffield United concern, Premier League title prediction – Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s Pre-Sheffield United press conference (Premier League)

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

The newly-crowned World Champions conclude an incredible year with a Premier League clash against Sheffield United, with Manchester City having the chance to move to within two points of league leaders Liverpool with a victory.

Guardiola’s side returned from the FIFA Club World Cup in midweek with a 3-1 win at Goodison Park, coming from behind to secure just their second win in seven Premier League matches.

Second-half goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva secured a vital three points, as Manchester City remained without Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, as well as John Stones suffering a fresh injury setback.

Sheffield United visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend, with City having failed to win their last three consecutive home matches ahead of Saturday’s meeting with a struggling Blades side.

Ahead of Manchester City’s final game of 2023, Pep Guardiola addressed the media prior to Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Sheffield United at the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola on 2023:

“Not bad at all. Not bad. It could be better. I think so. It always could be better. Don’t be greedy too much. It was good, really good.”

Pep Guardiola on the Premier League title race:

“When we lose a game, we out of the title race. When we win a game, we are there. It’s the same thing for our contenders. We have seen so far this year that everything can happen, maybe results you don’t expect.

“We have to be patient. Don’t make mistakes. We have to play with intensity. It was just one game [against Everton] Always you have to make results. The lower teams in the bottom they get results. This season it’s common for them teams that are struggling to get the results in a more comfortable way. That’s how tough it is.

“Let’s not give up and go game-by-game. No. It [outside noise] is what it is. We are used to it. Inside we have to be calm and we keep going because the Premier League is so long.”

Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s fixture list:

“When we qualify for the Champions League we can focus on the Premier League after being in Saudi Arabia to be the world champion. Next week we have Huddersfield here in the FA Cup and that is an important competition, but the Premier League is the main target mentally in the recent past.”

Pep Guardiola on John Stones’ fitness:

“Nothing changed from the last game. We have the same injuries plus John Stones.”

Pep Guardiola on Sheffield United:

“Against a team with Chris Wilder, what it was in the past were a few problems against Sheffield. We win by a little, little margin in the past.

“I saw their games and it will be so, so tough. They defend so, so deep and play long balls to McBurnie and the other ones. What they do they do really well. We try to be focused on what we have to do. Don’t make mistakes.”