Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has affirmed that the club will have to do without some players as they were tested positive for the virus ahead of the crucial encounter against Chelsea next Sunday.
Recall that the Manchester club’s game against Carlo Ancelloti’s men, Everton have been postponed due to the rising cases in the Ethiad Stadium at Kyle Walker, Gabriel Jesus among others were all victims of the virus.
The total number of team players and staff in self isolation are rounded up to seven.
“It was four people — (including) two players — the first time and then three more.” Guardiola said at a press conference.
The former Barcelona boss said the club is not in the position to unveil the three remaining players who have active cases of the virus
He said: “I don’t think the Premier League allows us to name the players but you will know tomorrow.” he promised
The manager gave reasons why the club could not unveil the players to respecting their privacy.
“We have to respect the privacy of the players maybe. You will see the line-ups and three important players not there, so you will know exactly but I’m not allowed to tell you.” he said
But Guardiola said this team is ready to face Everton as they have enough players but news of suspected cases of the virus came at the eleventh hour leaving them no choice than to have the match called off.
“We had enough players to play against Everton. We wanted to play but on the day of the game, with more cases, we informed the Premier League.” He said
“I personally called (Everton manager) Carlo Ancelotti to explain the situation because the day before we were in touch about what would happen and the huge risk.” he said
Guardiola said he preferred Carlo Ancelloti’s warm hearted message to the club’s message, as Ancelloti and Everton expressed their frustration over the postponement of the match with Man City.
“I preferred the statement from Carlo Ancelotti than the statement from the club. We would have loved to play the game but, wisely, the Premier League decided for the welfare of everyone not to increase the cases.” he ended.
