Pep Guardiola has been speaking ahead of his Manchester City's side first-ever visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
Pep Guardiola speaks at his Manchester City press conference to preview Monday's match at Everton
Pep Guardiola speaks at his Manchester City press conference to preview Monday's match at Everton
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Pep Guardiola has hailed Goodison Park as 'so cool' as the Manchester City boss prepares to bring his side to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Monday night's clash (8pm kick-off) will be the first time that Guardiola has visited the Blues' new waterfront home.
It is important match for treble-chasing City, who could find themselves six points behind leaders Arsenal come kick-off, while for Everton the encounter gives them the chance to breathe new life into their push for Europe.
And Guardiola said: "The old Everton stadium was so cool and so British and I loved to go there, but I'm looking forward to go to the new stadium.
"They defend really, David Moyes knows exactly what to do... set-pieces with (James) Tarkowski... they always have been tough.
"The game we won here (at the Etihad Stadium, 2-0 in October) with two or three actions, but we were not good and I think think we are better now.
"We can't have any result but win, win, win."
On his 63-year-old opposite number, Guardiola said: "David Moyes has been really good everywhere and he still has the passion at his age, which is really nice.
"Maybe the last month they have not had the best results but they are still fighting for the European positions and I'm looking forward to a new stadium and another final."
City, who have already won the Carabao Cup and will face Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup, will be without defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol on Monday.
There are also doubts over midfielder Rodri, who has yet to return to training after the injury he picked in the closing minutes of this month's vital win over Arsenal, who by kick-off on Monday, will have played two matches more.
But Guardiola will be able to call on John Stones, who this week announced he would be leaving City 10 years after signing for them from Everton for £47.5m.
Stones has been linked with a return to the Blues but it is understood that a new centre-back is currently not a priority for Moyes.
Guardiola said of the England international: "One of the first times I remember perfectly travelling to London to meet him in my brother’s house. I remember his face in that first moment, he was young.
"There are few, few players that without them we cannot understand what has happened in this period together and he is one of them.
"He was the best player by far in the Champions League final in Istanbul (in 2023). That shows his huge personality.
"He feels fit and hopefully he can find the rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo (Silva), part of me and ourselves is leaving.
"His contribution has been massive. He’s an incredible person both on and off the pitch.
"I said it with Bernardo, but I am so incredibly grateful to live this many years with John."