Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his admiration for Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium as he prepares to lead his team for their inaugural visit to the venue. The match, scheduled for Monday night, marks Guardiola’s first encounter with the Blues’ waterfront home, a transition from the historic Goodison Park.
Pep Guardiola said: “The old Everton stadium was so cool and so British and I loved to go there, but I’m looking forward to go to the new stadium. They defend really, David Moyes knows exactly what to do… set-pieces with (James) Tarkowski… they always have been tough. The game we won here (at the Etihad Stadium, 2-0 in October) with two or three actions, but we were not good and I think we are better now. We can’t have any result but win, win, win.”
Pep Guardiola continued: “David Moyes has been really good everywhere and he still has the passion at his age, which is really nice. Maybe the last month they have not had the best results but they are still fighting for the European positions and I’m looking forward to a new stadium and another final.”
Manchester City, already crowned Carabao Cup champions, are set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final. However, they will be without defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol for the upcoming clash against Everton. On a positive note, Guardiola can count on John Stones, who recently announced his departure from City after a decade-long tenure since his transfer from Everton for £47.5 million.
Pep Guardiola remarked on Stones: “One of the first times I remember perfectly travelling to London to meet him in my brother’s house. I remember his face in that first moment, he was young. There are few, few players that without them we cannot understand what has happened in this period together and he is one of them. He was the best player by far in the Champions League final in Istanbul (in 2023). That shows his huge personality. He feels fit and hopefully he can find the rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo (Silva), part of me and ourselves is leaving. His contribution has been massive. He’s an incredible person both on and off the pitch. I said it with Bernardo, but I am so incredibly grateful to live this many years with John.”
As Guardiola gears up for the match, he remains focused on securing a victory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in their pursuit of success. The match promises to be a significant occasion, not only for the teams involved but also for the fans witnessing the debut of Everton’s new stadium in a high-stakes Premier League encounter.
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