All told, seven City players have been shortlisted for the men’s player of the year prize.
Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland, Rodrigo and Bernardo Silva form part of the 30-player shortlist for the award, considered the most prestigious individual prize in world football.
Goalkeeper Ederson has once again been nominated for the Yashin Trophy after another impressive spell in between the sticks.
Former City captain Ilkay Gundogan has also been nominated following his major contributions to our Treble-winning campaign.
Handed out by French magazine France Football, the winner will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet on Monday 30 October.
Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at home to Brighton, the City boss revealed the club’s pride at having so many contenders.
And he also spoke about the individual claims of Haaland – who scored a record 52 goals in an extraordinary debut season to help City win the Treble – along with Lionel Messi who captained Argentina to the World Cup.
“It’s nice that many players for Manchester City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies,” Guardiola said.
“That makes us so proud for our organisation and for all of us.
“Always I said the Ballon D’or should be two sections, one for Messi, then after look for the other ones.
“Haaland should win, yes. We won the Treble and he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, the worst season of Messi is the best for the rest.
“They both deserve it. What can I say?
“I would say I want Erling because he helped us achieve what we have, I would love it but they (Argentina) won the World Cup.”
Guardiola also spoke about the close co-operation between the Club and England over the way John Stones’ minutes were carefully managed in the Three Lions’ 3-1 EURO 2024 qualifying win over Italy in midweek.
Stones, who was sidelined for almost two months at the start of the season with a thigh complaint, figured for almost an hour at Wembley before coming off.
Afterwards England manager Gareth Southgate praised the way City had helped in the process and, for his part, Guardiola said it was a satisfactory outcome all round both for Club, country and player.
“We were a little bit concerned but we spoke with Gareth Southgate and have an incredible relationship.
“I texted Gareth and Txiki (Director of football Txiki Begiristain) spoke with him after the game. We were concerned because Stones did not play one minute in the last two months, and we don’t know how he will recover.
“He’s been important all the years and especially last season, but of course it’s perfect for us, he got the minutes and rhythm, but what happened if he got injured?
“This was a concern, but they said we’ll take care of him, we’ll give him minutes - not 90 - and they did it.
“We want the playuers to play for their countries, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia... it’s perfect for them.
“They love to play for their countries, and I’d never say don’t go.
“But always they have to understand that if one of the players didn’t play a minute with us then we’d be concerned, But fortunately everything is right and John’s ready for the next game.”
CITY V BRIGHTON APP COVERAGE
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad Stadium in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:55pm (UK).
Paul Dickov, Steve Howey and Dakota Ditcheva will be our special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
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