Press Officer: “Good afternoon, everyone. Usual process—mics are on both sides of the room. We’ll have an embargo for 10:30 p.m. tonight. Simon, you can start.”
Simon: “Hi Pep. We often ask about your future, and you say you haven’t decided. But your last two contract extensions were in November. Do you have any plans to go to Abu Dhabi in the next two weeks?”
Pep Guardiola: “No, I don’t.”
Simon: “Got it. Can you share your thoughts on where the team stands at the moment? This is the first time you’re facing the possibility of four losses in a row. Does the team feel like it’s in that kind of slump?”
Pep Guardiola: “Well, this would be the first time in my life if it happens, but let’s hope it doesn’t. If you’re talking about the first 20 minutes against Fulham, then yes, the team didn’t look good. Same with Borough. But in the other games, I think we’ve played well. So, yes, I’d say we’re doing well overall. We’ll see what happens next.”
Simon: “Can you give us an update on Jack Grealish? He hasn’t played recently, yet he was called up for England yesterday.”
Pep Guardiola: “That’s a question for the England manager. But as for tomorrow—no, he won’t be fit to play.”
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Reporter: “Are any other previously unavailable players fit to play against Brighton?”
Pep Guardiola: “No, it’s the same squad as we had in Lisbon. No changes in availability.”
Reporter: “The Brighton manager, who was a young player at Bayern when you were there, called you a role model. What do you think of the impact he’s made as a Premier League manager at just 31 years old?”
Pep Guardiola: “I’m really impressed with how he’s managed Brighton. Fabian Hurzeler has done an outstanding job with them this season, especially with the new signings. His team has great personality and rhythm in the way they play. In the last two games against Liverpool, they played excellently, even if the results didn’t reflect that. Brighton has always been a tough opponent since Graham Potter’s time—whether we’re home or away, it’s challenging.”
Pete: “Your players aren’t used to losing, especially not three times in a row. What have you said to them this week? We saw that Bernardo seemed quite down after Tuesday’s game.”
Pep Guardiola: “Yes, we’re not used to consecutive losses across different competitions. But it’s football; it happens. We understand why we’re struggling and are looking to improve. After the international break, I think some players will return healthier, and we can work on resolving these small issues we’re facing.”
Reporter: “They say you learn more about your players after a loss than after a win. Has this experience taught you anything new about the team?”
Pep Guardiola: “Honestly, nothing new. I’ve been with this squad for nine years and have seen them prove themselves many times. My opinion of them hasn’t changed. This kind of situation happens occasionally, and we just need to understand it and move forward.”