Khaberni - Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, the manager of the English club Manchester City, discussed the results of the draw for the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, and the fasting of some team players during Ramadan.
The draw for the round of 16, which took place today, Thursday, in Nyon, Switzerland, resulted in a clash between giants Manchester City and Spanish club Real Madrid, the record holder with 15 Champions League titles.
Guardiola said in a press conference dedicated to his match against host Leeds United tomorrow Saturday, as part of the 28th round of the English Premier League: "We hope to have benefited from our previous matches against Real Madrid. For our club, the more you play against the best teams in the history of this tournament, the more you learn, improve, and become better in the future."
Regarding the clash with Leeds United in the Premier League, Guardiola confirmed that the players returned to training energetically and with clear minds after getting three days off amid a busy match schedule and intense title race.
About some players fasting, especially since the match will be held before Iftar time, the Spanish coach said: "The fasting of the Muslim players will not affect my selection for the lineup. They are capable of playing, and I can rely on them."
Guardiola added: "They are following this religious tradition, and we have competent nutrition specialists who adjust the diet according to the team's needs."
He continued: "I believe they are accustomed to it; they are not young, and they have experience playing during this period."
The Spanish coach followed up: "This is not their first time, and we know how to deal with the situation."
Guardiola concluded his remarks saying: "They are in contact with the doctors and will adapt, but they know what they need to do, and I already rely on them."
It is worth mentioning that Manchester City has secured a streak of 5 consecutive victories in all competitions before facing Leeds United, and they are in second place in the Premier League standings with 56 points, five points behind the leader Arsenal who has played one more game.
