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Guardiola coy on Man City contract situation ahead of Brentford game
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned Gareth Southgate and other international counterparts that he won't select his team for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford with the World Cup in mind. He also told FAs across the globe not to bother calling him ahead of the game as nations sweat over their biggest stars' fitness.
The World Cup kicks off in just nine days when hosts Qatar face Ecuador in Group A on November 20. And with the tournament peaking over the horizon, players will be hoping and praying they can navigate past this weekend without ending their dreams of participating.
There have been suggestions that international coaches will request clubs act cautiously during the final round of domestic fixtures before the one-month World Cup break. The Argentinian FA has reportedly asked for some of Lionel Scaloni's squad to be rested ahead of the blockbuster showcase.
However, Guardiola has admitted he's in no mood to do any favours as Man City continue to apply pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal. He told reporters: "Absolutely, we aren't going to rest players for the national team. I didn't get any call about it. I didn't get one, and it's not necessary to call me. I advise they [the FA] don't call me."
Pep Guardiola won't do Gareth Southgate any favours. (Image: GETTY)
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were all included in Southgate's England squad on Thursday. They are among up to 15 Man City stars set to be in action in Qatar when it will be Guardiola's turn to sweat over his players' fitness.
But the Blues boss insisted he wasn't worried about his squad's condition during the tournament, despite admitting Walker hasn't yet recovered from groin surgery. "Kalvin, you saw it [against Chelsea in midweek]. He's ready. Kyle, not yet. It's a decision from Gareth. I support his decisions 100 per cent. I'm not involved. After Saturday, the players belong to national teams, not us. I'm not worried," Guardiola explained.
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Kalvin Phillips returned to action against Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
One City star who isn't going to the World Cup is Erling Haaland after Norway failed to qualify. And Guardiola, who plans to take a break and return to Barcelona to see his family in the coming weeks, hopes the prolific striker will be fully fit by the time the Premier League returns after Christmas.
He added: "I'd prefer him to go to the World Cup. Unfortunately, they [Norway] didn't qualify. He'll hopefully recover perfectly from his injury. He'll be in Marbella, Norway, and hopefully will come back to train."
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