The Citizen (KZN)

Guardiola is still loving the ‘dream job’

- – AFP

– Pep Guardiola (right) said he has “everything a manager could dream of” at Manchester City as Erling Haaland is set to return from a two-month injury lay-off against Burnley tonight.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, and Guardiola’s former player Xavi, who is now in coach of Barcelona, both announced their intention to step down at the end of the season, citing the emotional strain that comes with management at the top level.

Guardiola also cut short his hugely successful spell in charge of Barca after four years and spent only three seasons at Bayern Munich before arriving in

Manchester in 2016.

Now into his eighth season at City, Guardiola has racked up five Premier League titles and the club’s first ever Champions League among 15 major trophies.

But the 53-year-old said he had no intention of stepping down soon, praising the environmen­t that surrounds him at the Etihad.

“I have everything that a manager could dream of,” he said at his pre-match press conference yesterday.

“The hierarchy they always support me. We have changed a lot of players in seven years but all of them have been supportive.

“(It’s a) good environmen­t so I have everything. Still, I feel good and of course one day it is going to finish but I don’t think about that right now.”

City look primed to add to that trophy haul with Haaland back fit for the business end of the season.

The Norwegian has been sidelined for the past 10 games, but City have won nine and drawn one of them – lifting the Club World Cup in that time – and remain on course to defend their treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

“Erling is a important. Two months out, but he feels good – we have a training session (today), but apparently tomorrow he will be with us,” added Guardiola.

Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy

Doku have also recently returned from injuries, while defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji could also make their comeback in midweek.

“The most important news is almost all the squad are fit,” added Guardiola.

“That is the best news. The important part of season starts now. FA Cup, the Champions League is around the corner and of course the Premier League – it’s important that we have everyone available. We have all the squad, we are stronger definitely.”

City are five points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League but have a game in hand.

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