Pep Guardiola Optimistic as Manchester City Sees Improvement
After securing three consecutive victories, Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the improved atmosphere at Manchester City. However, the coach remained tight-lipped about potential additions to strengthen his injury-ridden team in the upcoming January transfer window.
Prior to their 2-0 win against Leicester on December 29, reigning Premier League champions City had struggled, managing just one win in 13 games across all competitions. The team’s recent victories include an 8-0 thrashing of Salford in the FA Cup third round and a convincing 4-1 win over West Ham.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s league fixture against Brentford, Guardiola commented, “We’ve won three games in a row, which is a positive step forward for us. We faced some tough challenges before, but now we are starting to see some progress.”
Despite the recent victories, Guardiola emphasized the need for continued improvement. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Brentford, noting their formidable home record in the Premier League.
As City aims to secure a spot in the Champions League next season, Guardiola highlighted the importance of closing the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea in the league standings.
Regarding the status of captain Kyle Walker, Guardiola remained uncertain about the defender’s future amid reports of a potential move abroad. Walker, who has not scored a goal since City’s loss to Manchester United in December, faces a decision on his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming match.
When questioned about rumored transfer negotiations with Lens for defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Guardiola chose not to divulge any details, citing a lack of official confirmation from the club.
As Manchester City continues its campaign, Guardiola remains cautiously optimistic about the team’s progress and the challenges that lie ahead.