Guardiola Proud of Players’ Response in Crucial Victory; Updates on Haaland and Doku Fitness

Pep Guardiola expressed pride in his players’ response following Manchester City’s crucial 2-1 comeback victory against Luton.

The manager highlighted the resilience shown by the team, especially after recent results, and provided updates on the fitness of key players Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku.

Also Read: City Secures Comeback Victory at Luton – Bernardo and Grealish Shine

Guardiola emphasized the significance of the win, stating, “It was a great performance and what happened after the last few results, we conceded a goal in the last minutes of the first half and after that, it was a really, really good test.”

He continued, “The players reacted as they always have done. The way they run, they fight, coming here and behave like they behave, I am really, really, really proud.”

Also Read: Grealish Addresses Critics After Vital Win – ‘We Knew We Had to Keep Calm’

Regarding Erling Haaland’s fitness, Guardiola clarified, “Stress, no fracture. Please don’t ask [if] he broke his foot. It’s just stress. He’s not ready for Crystal Palace. Hopefully, he will be ready for Saudi Arabia [FIFA Club World Cup].”

On Jeremy Doku’s fitness, Guardiola explained, “Muscular. It’s not a big issue like Kevin [De Bruyne]. We have to think about how explosive he is, we have to be careful. Maybe in one week, two weeks, he will be ready.”

Also Read: Guardiola Impressed with Kyle Walker’s Captaincy – ‘Same Guy with More Responsibility’

Player Fitness Updates

Erling Haaland: Guardiola provided reassurance about Haaland’s condition, emphasizing that it’s stress-related and not a fracture. While the striker won’t be available for the Crystal Palace game, there is hope for his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Jeremy Doku: Doku’s injury was described as muscular, with Guardiola highlighting the need for caution due to the player’s explosive style. The timeframe for his return is estimated to be one to two weeks, and the manager emphasized the need for careful management.

Guardiola’s post-match comments reflect pride in the team’s response to challenges and resilience in securing a crucial victory. The updates on Haaland and Doku provide clarity on their fitness situations, offering a balanced perspective on managing player conditions during a demanding season.