Brendan Rodgers
Pep Guardiola has given his verdict on Leicester City ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Brendan Rodgers’ side at the Etihad Stadium. Rodgers’ men are looking to bounce back from their collapse at Liverpool on Wednesday, where they were beaten in a penalty shootout despite leading by two goals twice in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. Rodgers’ men are out of the Europa League, Carabao Cup and have conceded 27 goals which is more than anyone outside of the bottom seven of the Premier League. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday,
Pep Guardiola said: “Leicester remain Leicester. A top quality manager, with exceptional players in all departments. Sometimes seasons have highs and lows. Maybe we are used to seeing them all the time up there. Hats off to how the club works, in recruitment, readapting and readjusting. Sometimes they are not consistent, but in one game, with the quality they have, anything can happen. Remains the same value I give to them. The quality they have from the keeper, to Jamie Vardy, they’re exceptional.”
Guardiola also delivered the latest on his side’s fitness. They last played against Newcastle United on Sunday, winning 4-0 at St James’ Park.
Pep Guardiola said: “We had two days off, now we start to train this afternoon and we will see. Every day we do tests, maybe we arrive and say this guy can’t train, he tests positive or (there are) injuries. I cannot answer but hopefully we will be ready for Sunday.”
