Returning World Cup players will be in 'better condition' than those who stayed at home, claims Pep Guardiola... as the Man City boss warns striker Erling Haaland will lack 'rhythm' due to restricted game time
- Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City's Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool
- It'll be the first competitive game for either side since the World Cup break
- City boss says players who went to Qatar will have 'better condition' than others
- He warned that in-form striker Erling Haaland could lack 'rhythm' when he plays
Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City's returning World Cup stars will be in 'better condition' than those who stayed at home - such as Erling Haaland.
The Premier League champions are preparing for their first competitive match since mid-November, which will see them host Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in a Carabao Cup clash on Thursday.
Guardiola saw 16 of his first-team members fly out to represent their nation in Qatar, yet the Spaniard has kept an optimistic view on the fitness levels of those players.
Pep Guardiola has warned that striker Erling Haaland could lack 'rhythm' in upcoming games
The Manchester City boss suggested his World Cup players will return in 'better condition'
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: 'We will see. I have a feeling the players in the World Cup are a better condition than we were here.
'Sergio [Gomez], Erling [Haaland], Riyad [Mahrez], Cole [Palmer], they miss a little bit. Compared to Manu [Akanji], Rodri, Aymeric [Laporte]. The players who come back competed and trained every day, while we had a holiday.
'That's why tomorrow is important. To keep the rhythm and for the players who were not at the World Cup, to gain that rhythm.'
Haaland has played just one match since that fixture. He scored one goal as City cruised to a mid-season friendly victory over Spanish outfit Girona last week.
Haaland scored one goal in his 59 minute cameo during City's friendly win over Girona
Guardiola praised City striker Julian Alvarez (pictured) for his contributions to Argentina
In the same press conference, Guardiola reflected on the achievements of club striker Julian Alvarez who played a key role in Argentina's World Cup triumph.
'We are incredibly happy for him, congratulations to him and Otamendi, personally to Messi. To Argentina, well deserved.
'We're delighted for Julian, he played a lot, his contribution was amazing for the team. We have a world champion in our team.'
Alvarez scored four goals for his national side in Qatar, as they ended up eventual winners of the tournament following Sunday's final.
Guardiola will be looking to return from the winter break with a win over Liverpool on Thursday
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