Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola announced he would shorten his half-time team talks following a significant fine imposed on the club. Manchester City accepted a £2.09 million fine for breaching Premier League regulations 22 times by being late to start matches and the second half.
Guardiola acknowledged the issue, saying, “I just read it in the news. I would try to do my speeches at half-time shorter.” He made these comments ahead of Saturday’s pre-season game against Chelsea in Columbus, USA.
With many senior players unavailable due to Euro 2024 and the Copa America, Guardiola has given more playing time to Erling Haaland, whose national team, Norway, did not qualify for the summer tournament. Guardiola, who had previously mentioned Haaland’s “muscle niggles,” said, “He woke up and feels much better. And hopefully, he can play a few minutes.”
Guardiola did not comment on rumors linking striker Julian Alvarez with a move to Atletico Madrid. Alvarez is currently participating in the Olympics in Paris with the Argentina team.
However, Guardiola had high praise for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a former member of his staff. “I’m really pleased for him,” Guardiola said. “We spent a special year together. He is an incredible, lovely person. And his family too.”
Reflecting on Maresca’s achievements, Guardiola added, “He did a really good job – unbelievable – at Leicester: promotion to the Premier League and now he is in one of the top five, six teams in England. And I wish him the best because he deserves it. Nice people deserve the best.”
Guardiola emphasized Maresca’s managerial qualities, stating, “To be a manager is believing something deeply, but really, deeply, deeply. And whatever the results, I stick with my idea. And that’s why he believes in what he does. And he will have success. I don’t know how long, but he will have it.”
[wpupg-grid id=articles]