Pep Guardiola expects intense challenge from Bournemouth in Vitality Stadium clash: City squad update – Manager’s preview

Pep Guardiola is anticipating a tough match against Bournemouth this weekend as Manchester City travels to the south coast. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 17:30 (UK time) or 19:30 (CAT).

According to Guardiola, Gary O’Neil’s team will provide tough competition at the Vitality Stadium. He praised Bournemouth’s recent performances, saying, “They got good results. The game against Wolves. They draw against Newcastle, with how tough it is. The defeat against Brighton but in the last minute.”

Pep Guardiola went on to commend Bournemouth’s playing style, saying, “They are so intense. If they do it away, imagine at home – so intense in high pressing. Really, really good. After they defend compact, they want to try and play in different shapes. They link really well with [Dominic] Solanke. [Philip] Billing has huge quality.”

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The Manchester City boss acknowledged that all games this season will be tough, not just for his team but for all clubs in the league. Bournemouth is the fourth of five away matches for City, with a match against Bristol City in the FA Cup on Tuesday 28 February, kick-off 20:00 (UK time).

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Guardiola is closely monitoring the team’s schedule and the players’ fitness, with the team facing many games in a row on the road. He said, “It is a question to consider because our fatigue is there. Definitely. We have to take energy. I don’t know where but we have to do it.”

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Pep also gave a squad update ahead of the Premier League clash with Bournemouth, stating that Kevin De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte were unavailable for the Champions League trip to RB Leipzig due to illness, while John Stones is recovering from a hamstring injury.

He hopes that De Bruyne will be available for the Bournemouth match, but is uncertain about the others. Guardiola is not worried about the depth of the squad, stating that they have many players available.

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Manchester City is currently sitting second on the Premier League table and is looking forward to reclaiming the top spot and returning to their winning ways starting with Bournemouth. With Guardiola‘s confidence in the team and their abilities, they will undoubtedly give their all on the pitch to secure a win.

Watch the full pre-match press conference via the video below.