Guardiola on injuries, Tottenham and pursuing something 'exceptional'

  • Author, Simon Stone
  • Role, Chief football news reporter

Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media before Manchester City's Premier League trip to Tottenham.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

  • On injuries, Guardiola said: "Jack (Grealish) is recovered from his illness and Nathan (Ake) was much better yesterday. I don't think it's serious but it's just three days since the last game."
  • On his side never winning a league game at Spurs' new stadium: "We played really well many times but we were not able to score and win games. This is the time to do it. Otherwise, Arsenal will be champions."
  • On the pressure of having to win: "The mindset is easy because if we don't win, we don't win the Premier League. The right tension and focus has to be there. If we play these games relaxed, it's a big problem. They (Tottenham) are going to play for qualification for the Champions League. It is huge for them and we have a huge target as well."
  • On the prospect of becoming the first English club to win four consecutive titles: "We know what we are playing for, how difficult it is to be here. We have to do something special, exceptional I would say. We have something unique in front of us. There are a lot of things I enjoy, not just arriving at this stage of the season. There are 10 months where we work to get to this point."