Guardiola Prepares City for Crucial Clash Against Galatasaray

omidbasir- Erling Haaland was omitted from the starting lineup for the first time this Premier League season as Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. This strategic decision aims to keep the Norwegian striker fit for the upcoming decisive match in the Champions League group stage. Currently, Guardiola’s team is outside the top eight and must win against Turkish giants Galatasaray, while relying on favorable outcomes in other matches to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stage and avoid the need for a play-off tie.

Two weeks prior, Guardiola had remarked that Haaland was “exhausted” from the demanding match schedule, but he later clarified that the prolific striker, who has netted 26 goals this season, should not be held responsible for his recent scoring drought. Haaland’s last goal came from a penalty against Brighton on January 7, and his most recent goal from open play was against West Ham on December 20.

In a pre-match press conference, when asked about Haaland’s readiness to face Galatasaray, Guardiola humorously noted, “I didn’t have dinner with him last night so I don’t know. We will see.” He further elaborated on Haaland’s scoring difficulties, stating, “It’s the team. We need to improve our performance, create more chances, and he will score. Never underestimate goal scorers; they can always surprise you. I tend to overthink things as a manager, and I may not communicate with players as much as I should.”

The match will also feature former City players Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane, who will face their former coach. Gundogan left City last summer after a mixed second tenure, following an illustrious seven years at the club. Sane spent four years at City, securing two Premier League titles among numerous other honors before transferring to Bayern Munich in 2020.

Guardiola expressed his appreciation for both players, stating, “They made a huge contribution. I am grateful for both of them; they are incredibly wonderful people. I’m happy to see them back tomorrow. Gundogan was part of our Treble-winning season and a significant character, while Sane provided us with essential qualities.”

When queried if Gundogan and Sane’s insights could aid their current coach, Okan Buruk, in preparing for the match, Guardiola responded, “They should do it. I would do it. We know each other quite well. However, we won’t know exactly which players will be on the pitch tomorrow or their strategies unless there’s a spy in the locker room. Especially Gundogan; we’ve been in countless meetings together.”

City will be without key midfielder Rodri, who is suspended due to a red card received in the 3-1 defeat against Bodo/Glimt. The absence of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner raises concerns over the fitness of Nico Gonzalez, who has been sidelined since January 7. Guardiola indicated that he would assess Gonzalez’s condition during Tuesday’s training session to determine his availability for the match.

Should Gonzalez remain unfit, City may opt to utilize Nico O’Reilly in the defensive midfield role, following his commendable performance in that position against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.

“We will strive to win tomorrow,” Guardiola affirmed. “Galatasaray possesses exceptional players. We must put forth an incredible effort alongside our fans, especially given the numerous absences we face, and then we will see how things unfold.”