Pep reveals he c picking Aguero a he’d then be out
Silva Wilson Sterling Gundogan
PEP GUARDIOLA revealed Manchester City would have lost Sergio Aguero for at least a month had he played against Bournemouth.
Star striker Aguero remains a doubt for City’s trip to Watford tomorrow after the club’s all-time leading goalscorer was left out of the win over Bournemouth with muscle fatigue.
If Aguero is not risked at Vicarage Road tomorrow, Gabriel Jesus, without a Premier League goal since August 19, will lead City’s attack.
But Guardiola said he still has faith in Brazil striker Jesus, despite the 21-year-old drawing another blank as champions City secured a hard-fought victory to consolidate top spot.
“The doctors told me Sergio cannot play,” said Guardiola. “If he played, he would have had to have maybe four or five weeks off. In that situation this month, with a lot of games, he was not safe.
“It’s going to happen in the future, in the next games. People will start to be tired. That’s why we have a deep squad.
“Gabriel helps us a lot. He is a delight. He will improve because he has the desire and that’s important. He helped us a lot. A lot.”
Asked if Aguero will be fit to face Watford, Guardiola said: “I don’t know. Day-byday CALLUM WILSON believes Bournemouth should not be down on themselves – despite four straight Premier League defeats.
Eddie Howe (right) has seen his team slip after an impressive start to the season, but forward Wilson – who scored his ninth goal of the campaign in the defeat to Manchester City – says they must remain confident.
“Over the past four games, apart we see. I speak with doctors every day, they make a report and a briefing. They say ‘ready’ or ‘not ready’ and we decide.”
City had to dig deep for victory in the first of nine games in December for them – a month that will take its toll on the mental and physical well-being of their squad.
Last December, Guardiola said the Premier League was “killing” players with such a gruelling fixture schedule, but this time around he said they cannot from the Newcastle one, I think we’ve played well and it’s been fine margins that have cost us the results,” said Wilson.
“But there are positives to take. We’ve played well in those games.
“In spells today, we had our moments, and I think if we were a bit more clinical and ruthless, we would have got something out of the game. But you afford to moan workload ahead.
“It is what it is,” said Guardiola. “We have to adapt, we have a deep squad, some players in the second team, and everybody has to do their best.
“We play nine games, but many of our contenders and opponents do, too. It’s not because we play more than the other ones. It’s the same, so why should we complain?
“Play every day, try to be there and play the games. Sleep a lot. Eat good. Drink a lot in a good way – no wine – and prepare.”
Bernardo Silva put City ahead with his sixth goal of the season, before Callum Wilson equalised for Bournemouth just before the break.
City stepped up a gear in the second half, with goals from Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan securing the win and maintaining their unbeaten run in the league this term.
Bernardo said: “It’s a little bit of pressure for our rivals – they have to win to stay close to us. But it’s only December so it’s too early to talk about pressure.” at the can’t dwell on it too much. It’s four games and four defeats now, so it’s time to put that right, and everyone will be working hard on Tuesday to make sure we do that.
“The focus now is on Huddersfield. That’s a big game for us.
“We need the points. We’re going to be fighting for the points as much as they are.”