After what has been a difficult week, the boss has praised the reaction of his dressing room leaders and says they have been one of the best he has worked with.
When asked about the captains’ gesture to refund the ticket prices of the City fans who travelled to see our 3-1 defeat against Bodo/Glimt, Pep said: “This is one of the best captaincy groups that Manchester City has had since I have been here.
“Bernardo, Ruben, Rodri, Erling are extraordinary in many things, many details in how they are close to the club, to the team, to do the decisions for the best.
“They have been extraordinary in many things, many details in how they are close to the club, to do the decisions for the best.”
Pep also says that Erling Haaland has no need to apologise to anyone.
Our Norwegian striker has not been as prolific in terms of goals in recent weeks, but his manager says he is in plenty of credit for his feats in a sky blue shirt.
“Erling has nothing to apologise for,” said Pep.
“He has to do his best and he’s trying. If the team doesn’t win, it doesn’t belong to one player, it belongs to everyone.
“Don’t apologise - you apologise if you don’t give everything, so it’s not necessary.”
The boss was also asked how he intends to change the team’s dynamics after two off-colour performances against Manchester United and Bodo.
He replied: “One week ago we were in Newcastle, and we won 0-2 and how strong we were, then after a week I was a bit surprised about United, but maybe they were better.
“In Bodo we missed in the boxes, we missed the chances we had. And in the long balls and duels we weren’t aggressive enough.
“It’s going wrong because we are 50/20/25 mins except one action we were really good, then take two chances.
“The first header from Max Alleyne and then quickly we pulled it back to 3-1 and then Rodri sent off.
“You have to in that moment be ‘[Oh we were unlucky here’. I’m not talking about the game against United because we had Gigio. But especially in the game against Bodo, I didn’t have that feeling.
“It’s so demanding. For Max, it’s an incredible learning and lesson for his development.”
And asked of Rodri’s return to first team action and whether his match sharpness is where it needs to be, Pep said: “He’s been 11 months injured. Give him time. He remains the best.
“Give him time to recover. It was 11 months out. I know the reason why we struggle, I know 100% what happens with the team.
“I know the standards are so high and I know the reason why we are a little bit not consistent or getting the results we are having.
“I’m pretty sure [Rodri can get back to where he was]. It depends on the team as well, not just on him.”
City v Wolves tickets available
See our latest Premier League home match in a bumper month when City host Wolves at 15:00 (UK) on Saturday 24 January.
With broadcasting restrictions meaning it can’t be shown on TV in the UK, being at the Etihad is the only way to watch it live!
Tickets for adults are priced between £30-£60 with those for Under 18s from £15-£30.
Tickets for this game are now on sale to Cityzens Matchday and Junior Members - one ticket per Member.
Hospitality is also available, with an unforgettable experience on offer right here!
Find out more about tickets by clicking the link below...
