LONDON:
Pep Guardiola mentioned Monday the temper at Manchester Metropolis has been lifted by three straight wins however was cagey concerning potential recruits to strengthen his injury-hit squad in January.
Premier League champions Metropolis had received simply one in every of 13 matches in all competitions earlier than their 2-0 victory at Leicester on December 29.
They then overwhelmed West Ham 4-1 in Julen Lopetegui’s last recreation in control of the London membership earlier than smashing fourth-tier Salford 8-0 within the FA Cup third spherical final weekend.
“Earlier than, it was not possible to win one, so now we have received three and that helps us,” Guardiola mentioned on the eve of Tuesday’s league match at Brentford.
“However the actuality is we have received in opposition to a crew within the final recreation for the distinction of the Premier League and League Two and the badges for each groups and for a lot of causes we must always win.
“We did it fairly effectively, however nonetheless we’ve got to attend to see who we’re. You understand who we’re, however after all the temper is best.”
He added: “We now have an enormously troublesome recreation (in opposition to Brentford). Thomas (Frank) and his crew at all times create plenty of issues. They’re a implausible, implausible crew.”
Brentford went out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a 1-0 residence loss to second-tier Plymouth however their residence report within the Premier League is second solely to that of leaders Liverpool.
Metropolis are sixth within the league desk, simply two factors behind fourth-placed Chelsea within the hunt for Champions League soccer subsequent season.
Guardiola mentioned there was no replace on the state of affairs concerning captain Kyle Walker, who has expressed a need to play overseas.
The England right-back, 34, has not began a recreation for Metropolis because the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in mid-December.
Guardiola mentioned he would determine later Monday whether or not Walker can be within the squad for Tuesday’s match in London.
He was additionally tightlipped when requested about experiences that Metropolis have agreed a payment with Lens for defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
“The membership did not announce something,” he mentioned. “I do not know.”