Guardiola: Everton game ‘tricky’ as fixtures mount

Jamie Woodhouse
Pep Guardiola F365

Pep Guardiola believes his side faced a huge challenge to ready themselves for the Everton game after their recent fixture schedule.

Gabriel Jesus gave City the lead 22 minutes in, before he doubled his and the Citizens’ tally shortly after the re-start.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted for Everton to make it 2-1, but Raheem Sterling quickly snuffed out any hopes of a comeback to make it 3-1 at full-time. City were unremarkably remarkable.

Guardiola praised his men for putting the defeat to Chelsea last weekend behind them, and admitted that their midweek Champions League game against Hoffenheim had an affect on their rhythm against Everton.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said: “It was a tricky game coming after Hoffenheim on Wednesday. We responded well from defeat at Stamford Bridge.

“Sometimes you need to take time to get into a rhythm. We scored the first goal but the beginning was tough. We started the second half well, but our best moment was when we conceded a goal.

“They were physically strong and after 2-1 we were lucky to score a third one. We should have had more control after that. But now we have the League Cup and then the Premier League and we keep going.”

Jesus’ two goals were pivotal for City and impressed viewers almost as much as his decision to speak English in an interview.

Guardiola claimed this was a command from him.

“I insist all of them have to learn English,” he said.

“He showed fight and personality, he is a young player and has to improve many things. It is good for his confidence. It is a big compliment for him, I am so happy for him.”

Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the team will prove a huge boost for the Citizens going forward, and Guardiola confirmed he will get a proper run-out in the League Cup as opposed to his 15-minute cameo this afternoon.

“It is important he plays, he will play against Leicester in the cup, Guardiola confirmed.”