Man City Backs Dias After Robbery; Guardiola Absent, Doku Injured

Manchester City Offers Support to Rúben Dias After Home Robbery

The Manchester City technical staff, led by Pep Lijnders, has confirmed that the club is providing support to defender Rúben Dias following a robbery at his home. The incident occurred this week while the player and his partner, television presenter Maya Jama, were not at the property. Dias, who is currently injured, was watching City’s Champions League match against Galatasaray on Wednesday, while Jama was working abroad.

“I haven’t spoken to him personally, but Rubén will return to team training on Monday. These are things you don’t want to happen. We will support him and see how the situation evolves,” Lijnders stated.

Pep Lijnders

Rúben Dias’ home was robbed while he was watching Manchester City’s victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday. Lijnders took on media responsibilities due to the absence of Pep Guardiola, who was unable to attend Friday’s press conference for personal reasons. Guardiola had participated in a charity event in Barcelona the previous day, in support of Palestinian children. The City coach was expected to give a press conference at noon to analyze Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, but Lijnders took his place. The club has not revealed details about Guardiola’s absence, but he is expected to return to the UK on Friday and oversee Saturday’s training as planned.

“The coach is fine, as always, full of ambition and passion, but it’s a personal matter. He will return here to Manchester today,” Lijnders stated.

Pep Lijnders

Pep Ljinders replaced Pep Guardiola at the press conference before Manchester City’s match on Friday. Guardiola also missed a pre-match press conference due to a personal matter last month; on that occasion, Kolo Toure, another member of the coaching staff, replaced him. Lijnders, who was previously Jürgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, had already conducted media interviews on behalf of Guardiola after City’s victory in the third round of the FA Cup against Exeter on January 10. Guardiola watched that match from the stands due to a suspension. Jérémy Doku is also out after suffering a calf injury during the 2-0 victory over Galatasaray, which secured City’s qualification for the Champions League round of 16.

“It’s a similar injury to the previous one, which took 18 days. I suppose this one will be a little shorter, but we’ll see. Jeremy is a robust player,” commented Lijnders.

Pep Lijnders

The City reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to four points last weekend, and Lijnders hopes they can keep the pressure on the Gunners.

“I’ve been in a few title races and it’s always about focusing on the next game. You have to win your own games, create your own path, challenge yourself to grow and do things better than you can control. With this you have to press, pursue and go after them. They have to feel us and that is only possible by winning football matches,” concluded the assistant coach.

Pep Lijnders