Guardiola cautious despite recent wins as Man City face Brentford

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the improved atmosphere within the team following three consecutive victories but remained reserved about potential reinforcements for his injury-hit squad in the January transfer window.

The Premier League champions endured a challenging spell, winning just one of 13 matches across all competitions before their recent resurgence. City secured a 2-0 victory at Leicester on December 29, followed by a commanding 4-1 triumph over West Ham in Julen Lopetegui’s final match as their manager, and an emphatic 8-0 thrashing of Salford in the FA Cup third round last weekend.

“Before, it was impossible to win one, so now we’ve won three, and that helps us,” Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.

“But the reality is we’ve won against a team in the last game with the difference of the Premier League and League Two, and for many reasons, we should win. We did it quite well, but still, we have to wait to see who we are. Of course, the mood is better.”

Looking ahead to the Brentford match, Guardiola expressed respect for Thomas Frank’s side, acknowledging the challenges they pose: “We have an enormously difficult game. Thomas and his team always create a lot of problems. They are a fantastic, fantastic team.”

Brentford, despite their FA Cup exit following a 1-0 home loss to Plymouth, boast an impressive home record in the Premier League, second only to leaders Liverpool.

City currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings, just two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

When asked about captain Kyle Walker’s future, Guardiola said there was no new development. The 34-year-old right-back, who has expressed an interest in playing abroad, has not started a match since United’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in mid-December. Guardiola hinted that a decision regarding Walker’s inclusion in the Brentford squad would be made later on Monday.

The manager also remained tightlipped about transfer rumours, including reports of an agreement with Lens for defender Abdukodir Khusanov. “The club didn’t announce anything,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know.”