Guardiola on De Bruyne’s fitness, Foden and ‘taking nothing for granted’

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Champions League game away to Slovan Bratislava (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola said he hopes to have Kevin de Bruyne back after the October international break.

• He has “no doubt” Phil Foden will return to form: “I can have some doubts in many things but Phil will be back. Three minutes in at St James’ Park I saw something I liked – something I didn’t see against Watford. He has been not training, had niggles but now he’s smiling a little bit and in his rhythm. He will be back.”

• What have you learned from these types of games in your career?: “That nothing is for granted. Even the media is going to say how beautiful we are – always we have to do it. Nothing comes from that. Always I have an incredible, incredible opinion of my opponents, my colleagues.”

• He is grateful about his journey so far: “If I have to retire right now, I’m more than satisfied. I’m so happy still doing my job. I’m more than grateful and cannot ask for anything else.”

• Despite his success, he still sometimes doubts himself: “I know how this business is and I am an insecure person so I have doubts. Sometimes I overthink and I know it still is not done. Tomorrow is an opportunity to make a step and make the team play better.”

• On the challenge posed by Slovan Bratislava: “It’s a team that plays with some courage. I saw the game against Glasgow and in certain moments they are not scared to play. They link really well with the strikers. I have huge respect for all the teams especially when we play away. I will try to analyse what they do, the patterns they do, and play our game.”

• He added: “In England, we don’t have the rights to see the Slovakian League. I have huge, huge respect for them and we’re going to try and analyse what they do, the patterns they do, and try to impose our game.”

• However, he recognises City are heavy favourites: “We accept it. It is not a big deal. We start 0-0 the same, 11 against 11 and in the same conditions. We have to prove we are better. The rest I am not concerned much with to be honest.”