Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, separated by the two news items:
1. Grealish on the Champions League & Criticism
* Grealish’s View of the Champions League: He believes the champions League is “the biggest, it’s the best.”
* Response to critics: Grealish acknowledges criticism comes with striving for greatness.He states he’s playing against elite opponents who are well-paid to defend against him. He doesn’t take criticism personally and believes it’s a necessary part of being great.
* Author: Louise Taylor
2. Guardiola on haaland, Team Form & Referee Apology
* Haaland’s fitness: Guardiola jokingly said he doesn’t know if Haaland will be fresh for the Galatasaray game as they “did not have dinner last night.” (implying he doesn’t have personal insight into Haaland’s condition).
* Champions League Qualification: City needs a important win to secure automatic qualification to the last-16, relying on goal difference.
* Haaland’s Goal Drought: Haaland hasn’t scored from open play in his last seven appearances. He was subbed on late against Wolves and didn’t score.
* Guardiola’s Management Style: He claims to be an “overthinking manager” not a “man manager” and hasn’t had significant conversations with players for three years. He relies on video analysis.
* Apology to Referee: Guardiola apologized to referee Farai Hallam for his criticism after a non-penalty call in the Wolves game, acknowledging it was Hallam’s debut and that people are “so sensitive.”
* Defense of Criticism: Guardiola insists he rarely criticizes officials, especially after losses, and defends his right to voice opinions occasionally.
* Doku’s Return: Jérémy Doku has returned from a leg injury.
