First focusing on our crucial Premier League clash with Everton, and then on the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, Guardiola was asked about the Norwegian’s first leg battle with Antonio Rudiger.
“He’s ready for Sunday and then Real Madrid,” said the boss of his 51-goal striker.
“Congratulations Rudiger. Erling is 22 years old. It’s the first time he plays semi-final of Champions League and first time he plays at Bernabeu, a big stage.
“They are top players. Good defenders, midfielders, and strikers.
“Next time it will be a little bit easier. If the team is able to play a little better in some departments it will be easier for him.
“At the end we will try to do it. He fought a lot.”
Guardiola was also asked if he had been impressed by Kyle Walker’s recent displays on his return to the starting line-up.
He replied that all his players have to be prepared when they are called upon and that he hadn’t expected anything less from the England full-back.
“They have to (be ready),” he said.
“Why shouldn’t they be ready? It doesn’t matter if they play or not. They are taken care of really well.
“The team needs him, be ready. Kyle knows the reason why he didn’t play, we spoke together many times.
“It was just tactical decision. He is a really important player for us. Sometimes we need that type of player in that position, sometimes we don’t.
“Sometimes we need more defenders or better build up.
“For the FA Cup semi-final I played Sergio (Gomez), Sergio didn’t play much but in that position, we need him for the way Sheffield defend.
“Most of the time it’s correlated to these situations. I am very pleased that most of the time Kyle is ready.”
