Manchester City was hoping to relax and regroup during their winter break in order to gear up for the second half of the season. However, due to the ban from UEFA, their break has become very nervy instead. The break was interrupted Saturday morning as the Citizens returned to training and had an internal meeting in the dressing room. It was the day after UEFA announced the two year ban, which caused the return to action to become a meeting and reflection over what this meant for the club and the players.
The first to speak - according to theathletic.com - was Pep Guardiola, who wanted to give reassurances to his players: "Now, more than ever, we must remain united. The UEFA punishment? We will demonstrate our worth. Non in terms of money, but by making everyone see our value."
They are set to face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, which is their last opportunity to give a response to the heavy sanctions. Guardiola would have continued: "Enough with the feasts and enough with events, strong diets and maximum attention to your bodies: from now on we must give the maximum."
Another reassurance came from the coach when discussing his future: "They can even put us in the fourth division, I will be here next year." Strong words from a manager who in his career has never left a club before the end of his contract. His current deal with the Citizens expires in June of 2021. He also received support from Sterling, who said: "the same goes for me."
A press conference is scheduled for this upcoming week where Guardiola is expected to publicly state his desire to remain. It is also not to be ruled out that the Spaniard can even find an agreement for an extension in this delicate moment for the club. It would be an evident sign of esteem and trust for all of the people close to the situation.
