It’s the big news. After the elimination at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League, in Manchester they think about confirming the league title and strengthening themselves for their next European adventure. Two debates come to an end, that of the need for Pep Guardiola’s team to have a number nine after the departure of Sergio Agüero last season. Also the future of the Norwegian Erling Haaland, who has already passed a medical examination in Belgium. The English club is expected to announce his signing in the coming days. For this reason, Pep cannot comment on this.
At what point is the signing of Haaland?
Everybody knows the situation we’re in, but they shouldn’t talk. I don’t like to talk about the future and the next season. I know I would have to say something, but Borussia Dortmund and City have asked me not to say anything until the transfer is complete, due to legal details. We’ll have time to talk about it.
What would a center forward bring to your team?
We have a number nine, we have new players in the squad, and some will come up from the academy next season. New players always help me try to be stronger, but a defender won’t solve our defensive problems, and a good striker won’t solve our problems in front of goal. From the first day it has been like this except for a period at the beginning of the course, we scored a lot and conceded few goals. The club must always have a vision for the future. I will support 100% the decision that the club makes.
Is there any news in the list of highs and lows?
After the Newcastle game nothing has changed. We are what we are. We come to the last games with the players we have, and we will still try.
In principle, Wolves have nothing at stake, what do you expect of them after their result at Stamford Bridge?
It’s not just about the result at Stamford Bridge anymore. He has been one of our toughest rivals ever since they came up. For many reasons: Dendoncker’s transitions, the fast-break game, the personality, that they have been playing with a five-star defense for many years. They win a lot of games, we know how good they are. Hopefully we can recover well this week and play a good game. It is the most important thing in our heads.
Do you think people underestimate how difficult it is to win the Premier League?
We have only been here for a short time as a club, it took us a decade, 12 or 13 years to get here. The only thing I can say is that we all know how difficult it is. My coaching staff, the president, the owner, the CEO, the sports director, all the people who work here… we are all proud of what we have done and want to do. I hope we continue like this in the future. We know that it is very difficult, and that the rest of the options are totally acceptable. I know that what we have done is very, very important, especially in the Premier League. Everyone knows how difficult it is.
Are you enjoying the challenge you have with Liverpool in recent years?
Hopefully we can put pressure on them too. He’s been spending the last four or five years. Both teams have had another impressive season. We know exactly what we need to do, nine points. We will try to get them. Tomorrow we have a final, Wednesday gives us the opportunity to reach the last home game with the title in our hands. It is tremendously important.