Guardiola on squad fitness, fight for UCL and final visit to 'special' Goodison

[ASFN Admin]

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Goodison park (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Goalkeeper Ederson is "not ready for tomorrow" after being substituted in last weekend's comeback win over Crystal Palace, while Erling Haaland remains sidelined with an ankle injury with no date for his return.
• Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden will be assessed on Friday: "They came back. Phil just on Thursday, and today with his second session since Old Trafford. And Manu, he made two or three sessions with us and I see him moving really well."
• On John Stones and Nathan Ake's fitness: "Not yet [back]. They're getting better, but not yet."
• On City's position in the Premier League: "I don't think it's a bad thing to be fighting to qualify for the Champions League. You could be in a much lower position in the Premier League if you had done fewer good things than we have done in these four, five months. It's in our hands and, of course, Goodison Park and Villa is massively important. We don't have much time."
• He paid tribute to Goodison Park on City's final visit: "Goodison Park is so special, like all traditional stadiums in England. When you go to stadiums like these, you feel the atmosphere is special. But, clubs grow and I'm pretty sure their new stadium will be nicer in terms of being maybe more comfortable."
• On David Moyes' impact at the Toffees: "Sean Dyche did an incredible job. I don't forget how Sean took over in that moment, a difficult position, and avoided relegation. But the impact of David, for his experience, an incredible job - at West Ham too, all his career. He's done an unbelievable job in terms of results - and the patterns are so clear, so difficult to handle."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Everton v Man City at 15:00 on Saturday

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