Erling Haaland and John Stones fitness update, team news hint, Sven-Goran Eriksson tribute – Every Word: Pep Guardiola’s Pre-Newcastle press conference (Premier League)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The treble-winners travel to Eddie Howe’s struggling Newcastle side this weekend, looking to move to within two points of league leaders Liverpool with a victory on Tyneside.

Manchester City breezed past Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round last weekend, as Kevin De Bruyne marked his return from injury with an appearance at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola’s side will now be looking for their first Premier League win of the new calendar year, with Manchester City having failed to win on their previous two visits to St James’ Park; losing in the Carabao Cup in September and drawing 3-3 in the league last season.

City are unbeaten in their previous eight matches in all competitions, meanwhile Newcastle have slumped to 9th in the table, losing their last three Premier League fixtures.

Julian Alvarez scored the winner when the two sides met at the Etihad Stadium in August, and the Argentina international could be set to start again this weekend, amid continued concerns surrounding the fitness of Erling Haaland.

Haaland’s fitness was amongst the topic of conversation at the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon, as Pep Guardiola addressed the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland and John Stones:

“Jack [Grealish] has been sick and hopefully today he is back. Erling [Haaland] is out and John [Stones] is out. I think that’s everything.”

Pep Guardiola on Kevin De Bruyne:

“Kevin De Bruyne is ready to start and I can see he is very good and the trip to Abu Dhabi will do him good too. I saw him yesterday and he feels good and dynamic. He played well, better than the sessions before Huddersfield. He’s getting better.”

Pep Guardiola on training with Bahia at the City Football Academy:

“It’s nice having Bahia from CFG here, maybe we can go there. It was an honour to meet their coach who was a legendary goalkeeper.”

Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s season:

“You cannot imagine how pleased I am for us to be where we are in the competitions this season. I was tired at the beginning of the season and I was a bit worried with all the challenges we have faced, but we won two trophies already.”

Pep Guardiola on On Sven-Goran Eriksson:

“[He’s] a true gentleman, it’s really sad news. I admire the courage to explain the situation. He’ll be with his loved ones. Of course, all of us have huge support, anything we can do, we will do it.”

Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s success:

“This decade, what we have done will mean lots of young boys [and girls] now support us and when they do that they do it for life. You can change lots of things but not the team you support.”