Pep Guardiola on ‘embarrassing’ UCL exit, John Stones return and Rodri replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was reluctant to consider the impact of an early Champions League exit, as he admits that his side have simply not been good enough.

A Club Brugge side who City trounced 4-1 the last time they met at the Etihad, are a tougher proposition this time around.

Brugge visit amidst a 20-game unbeaten run, a stark contrast for Guardiola’s side that have been surprising fragility in Europe.

Last time out against PSG epitomised this, having led 2-0 before squandering their advantage and collapsing to a 4-2 defeat.

When pressed on whether an early exit would be embarrassing for his side Guardiola responded, “Thank you for your concern, but after the game, you can [ask] me and I will answer you.”

City will be buoyed by an impressive 3-1 victory in the Premier League against Chelsea, but Guardiola is not getting ahead of himself and does not believe things have turned around yet.

“No not yet,” the Spaniard said. “It’s only been a few games. We are here for the reasons we know. We are not good enough”

Stones and De Bruyne return

City have had their fair share of injury woes this season, but they have key players returning in time for this vital clash.

On the fitness of his squad, Guardiola said: “The guys who were involved against Chelsea are available and Oscar (Bobb) is back as well.”

Two important experienced players who City have been missing in large spells this season, are John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, with both in contention to feature against Brugge.

“He (De Bruyne) is fit, he is good. He (Stones) played 35 minutes against Chelsea and played really well so we will see how he feels.”

One player who remains a major absence is Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and many of City’s defensive issues have been rooted in their inability to fill his vacant position.

City have made three signings this January, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, but Guardiola acknowledged that none are holding midfielders to help in the absence of Rodri.

“Of course, it’s important, every position is important, we have replaced Rodri with two players who aren’t proper holding midfielders for many reasons.”