We Will Put Out The Best Team To Compete Slovan Bratislava – Says Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said on Monday he would not take Slovan Bratislava lightly in this week’s Champions League clash as his squad continues to adjust to life without key midfielder Rodri.

The 2023 European champions travel to Bratislava for their second tie in the new format of the Champions League, after being held to a goalless draw first time out by Inter Milan.

Their upcoming opponents on Tuesday, in contrast, are encountering the top tier of European football for the first time since 1992. They began their journey with a resounding 5-1 loss against Celtic two weeks ago.

“When you won four Premier League titles in a row in one of the toughest leagues in the world and a Champions League winner two years ago, we accept we are favorites when we play,” Guardiola told reporters before facing the Slovak champions.

“They did not give me 2-0 before the game it starts 0-0, same pitch. We have to prove it.

“We will put out the best team possible to compete and beat them.

“I have huge respect for them, and the patterns they make, but we will try to impose our game.”

Central to City imposing their style of play will be their line-up in midfield.

Speaking after his manager, John Stones stated he was “100%” ready to fill the boots of injured midfield lynchpin Rodri if called upon.

Spaniard Rodri will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a severe knee injury he sustained in early September.

Despite being a central defender by trade, Stones has been deployed in a midfield role several times in the past by Guardiola.

“It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me (but) I enjoyed it,” said the 30-year-old.

“Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.

“And hopefully we can recreate even better moments than the Champions League final (won 1-0 by City against Inter Milan in 2023).”

The England player added he had spoken to Rodri at the weekend and gave an update on the 28-year-old’s progress.

“I spoke to Rodri yesterday (Sunday) and he’s doing well, recovering,” he said.

“He was in good spirits. Now he knows what’s happened and knows his process to get back, he’s come to terms with it.”