30.07.2009 22:00
Guardiola: “The market’s wide open, but very complicated”
Jordi Clos
Pep Guardiola has admitted that he’s still interested in strengthening his squad, though he’s prepared to start the season with the players he’s got. Pep also expressed his satisfaction at the way the squad had adapted to the conditions in the US.
Following Tuedsay’s training session, Guardiola spoke to the press and explained his feelings
about the summer transfer market: “the market’s wide open, but very complicated at the
moment. All the transfers are very expensive and one option we’re dealing with is that we
won’t be signing anybody else”, adding wryly “we’re rich, but not as rich
as others. There’s still a month to go, but if we can’t sign anybody else, then we
can’t”.
A solid base
Guardiola is happy with the squad he’s got and confident they can
do the job for him, explaining: “we’ve got a solid base, with 16, 17 or 18 top players
and the rest coming along well. If anybody else comes in we’ll perhaps be a little more
comfortable, but if not then there’s no problem. What we definitely won’t do is just
sign someone to make up the numbers”. Asked about the Shaktar defender Chygrynskyi (now
Champions League cup-tied) Guardiola commented: “there are other options, but they’re
quite complicated”.
Hopes for Ibrahimovic
One of the signings he has made this summer is Ibrahimovic and Pep explained: “the best
way for a player to integrate in the group is to be training, so the sooner he’s working with
us the better. He’s a top class player and we’ll have to see how he fits in with the
rest of the lads, but my intuition tells me he’ll be fine. I’m just looking forward to
him getting better and showing us his best football”.
No jet lag
Although the long haul trip to the States meant a shortened sleep pattern for the players,
Guardiola was happy with their reaction: "we didn’t sleep much, but we expected that and they
all trained okay, I’ve no complaints on that score” In addition, Guardiola praised the
facilities and the good work done by the marketing department ahead of Sunday’s game, a game
where he’s hoping to see the players show the same spirit we did last season”.