After suffering his worse start of the season in the English Premiership, Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola says the club couldn’t afford to buy a striker in the summer.
The noisy neighbours have been playing most of their games without a recognized centre-forward after Sergio Aguero and Juan Jesus got injured. Aguero, who recently returned to action last week got injured again. So, both strikers have been ruled out tonight’s Champions League tie against Marseille.
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They are also unlikely to return until after November’s international break. This leaves Guardiola short of a centre forward for a run of games that could include Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad Stadium on Nov. 8.
City boss however revealed that it was impossible to sign another goalscorer during the transfer window.
“Maybe yeah we considered it [buying a striker], we thought about it, another may be type of striker but we could not so I think the club do what they can.
“It’s not a club that wants revenues at the end of the year, it’s what they want and what’s best for the team.
“If you decide to buy a striker, it has to be a striker in the league of Gabriel and Sergio but we cannot afford it. That is the reality,” he added.
He further clarified that the club have the intention to sign a world class striker, but wanted a strong team that will play more games as well.
“But we thought ‘OK, Sergio is back and we didn’t expect Gabriel to be injured.’ Sometimes it happens.”
Guardiola: Aguero out for weeks, Juan Jesus could be back in action soon
Meanwhile, Jesus could soon return to action after getting injured on matchday one against Wolves. The Brazilian is expected back in training in around 10 days.
Aguero got injured towards the end of last season with a knee injury. Unfortunately, his comeback lasted just three games before he was forced off during the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday with a hamstring problem.
Speaking a news conference on Monday, Guardiola is unsure of how long the Argentine will be out of action.
“It depends on the injury, 10 to 15 days is the minimum. If it’s a little bit longer it will be three weeks, one month. The muscular [injuries] normally don’t move in these gaps. And the case of Sergio will be the same, there will be no exception.”
Man City won their opening match against Porto. They will be hoping to maintain the run against the League one side tonight.
While lauding the quality of the opposing team, Guardiola singled out Payet and Thauvin.
“A well organised side, who defend well the space. You have to find a way to control the game. Not concede set pieces – and punish them when we think we can do it.
“I followed him at Porto [ Andre Villas-Boas] – he made an incredible job. I met him in Barcelona and we had a chat. He is an experienced manager, he knows perfectly the Premier League. He’s a young manager who’s had success and he is doing a good job here in Marseille.”
Guardiola now has Kevin de Brune back from injury as the Belgian played 16 minutes against West Ham.
Aymeric Laporte is also back, while Nathan Ake is close to returning as well.
Benjamin Mendy and Aguero could be out of action for weeks, according to the manager.
