‘McAtee is adorable’published at 22:36 British Summer Time
FT: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Manchester City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports, on whether he was happy with the win: “We had to do a job. We did it. This group of players is fantastic, we play a good game, a lot of chances so the first three points of the competition.
“We said we need one more goal, 3-0 was almost over because they defend with more courage to play but after 2-0 and chances we had, we were patient and we attacked really well. Sometimes we have to attack more quicker but yeah good result.”
On whether goal difference came into his head because of the new format: “When I’m thinking about that maybe I’m conservative, maybe winning games will be enough. We have three tough, tough games away. Today, first victory, a little bit higher in the table than we were.”
On Ilkay Gundogan: “We know he can do it. Strong mentality. The game in Newcastle was not really good, maybe one of the worst I ever seen with him in the last eight or nine years but this happens. This is why he has to play.
“His position, holding midfielder, he is so intelligent, he played a fantastic game today.”
On Phil Foden: “Yeah he still is not his best, make a fantastic goal, pass the ball to the post no shoot he had more chances. Step by step he’s coming back.”
On James McAtee: “All of us are so happy for him, he’s adorable and all the guys love him. There are a lot of games, Everybody will make a contribution. He moved really well in small spaces, he make a fantastic goal, have another chance. For him it will be a good boost. We want to make him feel like ‘you are part of that group, you are able to play’. Hopefully today can help him in that.”