“You cannot disappoint them” – Pep Guardiola offers verdict on Manchester City’s January signings amid difficult form

Pep Guardiola has admitted his feeling of wanting to avoid disappointing Manchester City’s January signings given the external view they have of him and the wider club.

CONTEXT

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked whether Manchester City’s four January arrivals have helped to fresh the playing squad in training, as well as through their on-field energy in competitive matches.

“The new players will bring something like nine years (ago), it’s different. Of course, they want to play here, they are incredibly focused and have training,” Guardiola said.

“You realise when you arrive in one place and everything is new, you are incredibly focused and you have a dream to make a good impact not just in the team, but in English football. Of course they are there and we have seen it,” he continued.

“Both in the minutes they play, Vitor (Reis) played a tough game in (Leyton) Orient for the pitch and conditions for the opponent. Except the first minutes he behaved really well and against a striker from Plymouth was so strong, they handled it really well. But of course still there are a few things, especially the ball, that need time to improve and realise.”

As Pep Guardiola heads into a 10th season at Manchester City, the 54-year-old was also asked whether the arrival of new names helps to add motivation him on a personal note having achieved everything available to him at the Etihad Stadium.

“Yes, new players always give you a boost,” the Catalan coach admitted. “You cannot disappoint them. They have an opinion on you from external. You don’t want to be serious, you have to be professional, you have to try to help them. It’s a question of time.

“I would like to have the old players eternal, for all the time, but it’s not possible. It happens for not just the players, the managers, the staff, the backroom staff. The people change, it’s normal.”