Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up to the media ahead of this weekend's clash with Brentford.
City have put together a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions and have picked up seven points from their last nine available in the Premier League despite facing three of the big six sides in their first seven Premier League fixtures.
Foden will be back in the England side in no time
The questions first turned to Phil Foden’s England omission as manager Thomas Tuchel overlooked him for their upcoming fixtures.
“Thomas knows what he needs for the national team a trillion times better than me," said Guardiola.
“All I can say is that if Phil is still playing like he is playing, he will be back.
“I am happy when players go to the national team but I am happier when they come back healthier.”
Thoughts on Brentford
The Spanish head coach was next asked about this weekend's opponents, Brentford who his side drew 2-2 with last time out thanks to a Foden brace.
"Quite similar (under Andrews). Little details but quite similar to Thomas Frank," the Man City manager stated.
"They are doing well. It’s a tough place to go. Looking forward to the last game before the international break doing what we have to do."
Rodri's fitness issues
Rodri was replaced against Monaco in the Champions League to manage his minutes rather than due to a fresh injury. His time on the pitch is being closely monitored and Guardiola revealed that he is still not ready for 90 minutes.
"We cannot play with 12. I know Rodri is irreplaceable in many things, but he could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad, bad, bad condition," Guardiola revealed.
"Nico Gonzalez in the 30 minutes had more recoveries in the transitions than Rodri had when he was playing. Rodri cannot play 90 minutes for many games, and Nico played really good against Burnley and is learning and improving, and we need him because Kova is not ready and Rodri cannot sustain the rhythm for games.
"He made an incredible effort against United, Napoli and Arsenal. I try to protect my players because players can be injured again and again. I want the best players there and fit, but he’s still not, so I have to protect players."
Haaland's frustration
Finally, City's 2-2 draw with Monaco was disappointing and striker Erling Haaland was understandably upset by his side after the game, who he thought underperformed. Guardiola feels the same way and says his side are working to improve.
"All of us were. We wanted to win and we could not do it.
"We did many things and can do better. It’s normal in the process but I feel they know what they have to do and we will work on it. We wanted to win and had chances to score the third. It’s not a problem."
