“This is a final for us,” Guardiola said. “After this game, our next match against Wolves will also be a final. Every game counts, and Aston Villa is a contender for a Champions League spot. They have a strong team with a solid defense and skilled players who can create scoring opportunities with set pieces.”
Guardiola also praised the team's supporters, saying that their energy and noise can help the team win the Champions League again next season. “We need our fans to support us from the first minute and make lots of noise throughout the game,” he said.
Nico O'Reilly Continues to Shine
Manchester City's academy star Nico O'Reilly had a standout performance in the team's 2-0 win over Everton, scoring a late goal to help the team close the gap on third-placed Newcastle United. Guardiola praised O'Reilly's performance, saying, “The season is long, and he can recover from the games. We need to see if he can play every three days. He's learning and has to improve, but with the ball, he's good, and he's helping us with set pieces.”Guardiola also mentioned that O'Reilly is being considered for a new contract.
Exploring Josko Gvardiol's Position
Guardiola was asked about Josko Gvardiol's potential role in midfield next season. The Spanish coach said, “He's fast, and he can play in midfield. He's doing a great job with the build-up on the left. Ruben and he are a good partnership, and he's an option for us.”Guardiola also mentioned that the team has a strong defense and may not need to buy a new center-back, but Josko Gvardiol can play in midfield or left-back.
Josko Gvardiol's versatility is an asset to the team, according to Guardiola.
Doku's Impact on the Team
Guardiola spoke about Jeremy Doku, who came on late in the match against Everton and changed the game. He explained that Doku hasn't started the last three matches because the team's attacking style didn't require wingers. However, when Doku came on, he had a significant impact, stretching the defense and creating scoring opportunities.Guardiola praised Doku's skills, saying, “Jeremy in the final third is unstoppable. Today, I'm really pleased that he played well.”
