PEP GUARDIOLA says he would not swap any of his heroes for one of world football’s superstars.
He believes table-topping Manchester City’s big strength is their team ethic — rather than individual brilliance.
Pep Guardiola would not swap any of his current crop of players for Lionel MessiCredit: AFP – Getty
Guardiola admitted after beating Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday he does not have players who ‘win games by themselves — such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar’.
And while he would not mind having one of those in his line-up, it would not be at the expense of any of his current crop.
He explained: “I would like to have a player to score, every single game, four goals and run like those players can run.
“But I will not change any player we have right now, this season.”
Boss Guardiola is proud of how City bounced back from their shaky start to the campaign.
In November they fell into the lower half of the table after losing 2-0 at Spurs — but are now on a 16-match winning streak.
Guardiola added: “Big teams and big players show it in the bad moments and all of them have shown me in the bad moments.
“We were 12th, we were five points away from Tottenham and they were top of the league when we lost there.
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“Now we are 17 points in front of them.
“In this period there have been ups and downs, everything. Every club has them. It’s normal.
“In the bad moments you have to know the reason why, try to smell the reason.
“I’ve said many times that we are going to lose games — that moment will come.
“We have to know why and then come back and try to do it again.”
I’m impressed with the quality of these guys as human beings and players
Pep Guardiola on his Man City squad
Guardiola’s side travel to Everton on Wednesday night in their rearranged Premier League clash.
The Etihad chief said he would let his players enjoy Saturday’s win for only a couple of hours before turning their attention to Goodison Park.
He said: “Our 11 straight league wins, 33 points, is incredible.
“I’m impressed with the quality of these guys as human beings, as players.
“I’ll say this now but in two hours I will deny I ever said it — and it will be on to Everton.”
Kylian Mbappe and Neymar would add something extra to the City attackCredit: AFP or licensors
Guardiola was full of praise for his team of ‘quality guys’ ahead of the Everton clashCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
