Pep Guardiola says he could re-think his preference of working with a small squad, with Manchester City stretched by injury at the business end of the season. Problems for John Stones, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake, plus Joao Cancelo’s suspension means the Blues could be down to just three fit defenders for the visit of Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Joleon Lescott details how Man City can cope without Ruben Dias
05.04.2022 - 12:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Joleon Lescott thinks that Manchester City could have the best group of four centre-backs in the modern era as he backed them to cope without Ruben Dias for their upcoming matches.
Dias has been almost ever-present since coming in from Benfica in September 2020, but has now missed a month of action with a hamstring problem picked up in the FA Cup win over Peterborough. Pep Guardiola does not expect the defender to be back in time for either leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Atletico Madrid, or the crunch Premier League game with Liverpool; his availability for the FA Cup semi-final is also in doubt.
It is a sizable blow, yet the Blues have coped so far in his absence. In five games, they have conceded just two goals. However much City may miss what Dias brings to the table, Lescott cannot remember another group of centre-backs that had the strength in depth that Guardiola currently has.
Read more: Guardiola explains his Man City overthinking in Champions League games
"They miss his quality but I don't think it has as big an impact as people might think," said Lescott. "He's been outstanding since he came in but I don't think there has been a more dominant group of four centre-backs in any era than this group of centre-backs - with Nathan Ake included.
"There have been stronger partnerships - Terry/Carvalho, Vidic/Ferdinand are stronger partnerships - but if one of them dropped out it wasn't the same. I don't think you see that with this team. Whoever doesn't play, they still operate at the same level, which is ridiculous to say because the level is so high.
"I love watching how much they enjoy defending. I don't think we see that enough with defenders - celebrating blocks, tackles and clean sheets. As
The website popstar.one is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
22.04.2022 / 20:11
Pep Guardiola might already know Man City's next captain after Fernandinho
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho announced that he will leave the club in the summer after playing in England for nine seasons with the reigning Premier League champions.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.04.2022 / 22:39
Real Madrid could still beat Man City to Erling Haaland and other rumours
The race for Erling Haaland is not over, according to a family friend.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.04.2022 / 10:25
Pep Guardiola already has the answer to defensive injury worries
Nathan Ake might not have been the first name on Pep Guardiola's teamsheet this season, but recent performances in huge games have seen him prove his worth at Manchester City.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
17.04.2022 / 15:33
'Absolutely bossed it' — Man City fans praise unsung hero despite Liverpool defeat
Manchester City fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, ending their hopes of winning a treble.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.04.2022 / 18:49
'Thinks he's Ederson' - Man City fans fume over Zack Steffen howler in FA Cup vs Liverpool FC
Manchester City supporters have directed their anger at goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who made a huge mistake against Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.04.2022 / 17:31
'Huge relief' - Man City get big Kevin de Bruyne boost in FA Cup semi-final vs Liverpool
Manchester City fans were relieved to see Kevin De Bruyne make the bench as Pep Guardiola rang the changes for their FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
15.04.2022 / 19:05
Pep Guardiola gives Man City injury update including Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker
Manchester City will give injury doubts Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker until matchday to prove their fitness for the FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool. And that is good news for the Blues' season as it implies that the two respective injuries, both picked up in the goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, are not serious.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
15.04.2022 / 13:07
Shaun Wright-Phillips thinks Man City might have already hinted at Erling Haaland transfer
Manchester City's recent transfer record suggests they will prioritise a move for Erling Haaland this summer rather than return for Harry Kane, according to former Blues winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
12.04.2022 / 13:41
Man City training squad for Champions League fixture vs Atletico Madrid
Pep Guardiola enjoyed a full squad in training ahead of Manchester City's quarter-final match with Atletico Madrid.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
12.04.2022 / 12:37
'The world isn't ready' - Man City fans react as Ruben Dias returns to training for season run-in
Manchester City have had to begin their run-in to the season without one of their key players, but that might be about to change.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
07.04.2022 / 21:25
Jurgen Klopp issues injury update on key Liverpool midfielder ahead of Manchester City showdown
Both Manchester City and Liverpool would ideally like fully fit squads heading into this Sunday’s huge Premier League clash.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
06.04.2022 / 15:51
John Stones update gives Man City boost ahead of Liverpool FC match
John Stones is ready to face Liverpool after successfully coming through 90 minutes against Atletico Madrid.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
05.04.2022 / 15:09
Three Man City players one booking away from Champions League suspension vs Atletico Madrid
Pep Guardiola will be hoping three Manchester City players stay away from trouble in their Champions League quarter-final tie with Atletico Madrid tonight (8pm). With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Guardiola and his team are set to lock horns with the Spanish champions at the Etihad Stadium.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
05.04.2022 / 13:11
Raheem Sterling starts — Man City fans pick preferred line-up vs Atletico Madrid
Manchester City supporters are urging Pep Guardiola to pick Raheem Sterling over Jack Grealish when naming his starting XI for the Atletico Madrid showdown. Tonight sees the Spanish champions head to the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League last-eight tie.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
03.04.2022 / 20:31
Kevin De Bruyne shines but Jack Grealish disappoints - Man City fans' player ratings vs Burnley
Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were the pick of the bunch as Manchester City fans lauded their side’s performance at Burnley.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
01.04.2022 / 21:41
Sergio Aguero sends 'phenomenal' message to Man City after Julian Alvarez transfer
Sergio Aguero has told Manchester City it would be better if phenomenal signing Julian Alvarez touches down at the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 22-year-old was signed by the Premier League champions during the January transfer window, but immediately returned to boyhood side River Plate on loan.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
01.04.2022 / 17:13
Pep Guardiola discounts Liverpool FC advantage over Man City in title race
Pep Guardiola insisted it makes zero difference to Manchester City whether they kick off against Burnley in first or second place in the Premier League.