Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has quipped that television broadcasters owe him and Fulham boss Marco Silva a bottle of wine after their teams delivered a pulsating nine-goal encounter earlier this week. However, the Spaniard was quick to shift focus to the defensive lapses that nearly cost his side the victory.
City, currently sitting second in the Premier League standings, appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win at Craven Cottage on Tuesday after establishing a commanding 5-1 lead. However, a late collapse saw the hosts claw back three goals, leaving the visitors clinging on for a frantic 5-4 victory.
“One of the Games of the Season”
Speaking ahead of his team’s weekend clash against Sunderland, Guardiola described the midweek match as a spectacle for neutral viewers.
“If I were at home and watching that game, I wouldn’t change the channel,” he remarked. “I’m pretty sure the broadcasters are happy with us. They have a consideration for Marco and me, giving me a bottle of wine for all of us. No, I’m not joking. Broadcasters must be happy.”
Tightening the Backline
Despite the entertainment value, the defensive statistics present a concern for the former champions. Having been dethroned by Liverpool last season, City has already conceded 16 goals in the league this campaign nine more than current leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola acknowledged the need for immediate improvement, particularly after conceding a combined six goals in their last two outings against Leeds United and Fulham.
“Of course I don’t like to concede two goals… and four goals six goals in two games but at the same time we are the team scoring the most, and we have to build from that,” he explained.
He emphasized that defensive solidity is a collective responsibility, not just the burden of the goalkeeper or defenders. “We have to fix these kinds of things. I believe we can do better… we have to be more solid.”
Respect for High-Flying Sunderland
Turning his attention to the next opponent, Guardiola offered high praise for Sunderland. The Black Cats are currently sitting sixth in the table in their first season back in the top flight.
The City boss dismissed the notion that Sunderland’s form is merely a result of early-season adrenaline.
“They deserve to be where they are,” he said. “When you are promoted, and you play well for five games, OK, momentum. It can happen. But for 14 fixtures in the Premier League… to take results in that position, they deserve it.”
Injury Update
On the personnel front, Guardiola confirmed that influential midfielder Rodri remains unavailable. The Spaniard has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not be fit in time for the Sunderland fixture.
“He’s getting better,” Guardiola noted regarding Rodri’s recovery. “I don’t know how long (until he’s back), but he will be ready.”
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