Guardiola on Kovacic, Fulham and Man Utd v Arsenal

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Fulham (12:30 BST kick-off)

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Guardiola confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns and said "the environment" at the club is why they are not struggling with injuries like other teams.

  • He refused claims that Fulham's players could be 'on the beach' this weekend: "Never in my career have I met a manager or player who doesn’t want to win. Never ever in my life."

  • On midfielder Mateo Kovacic's first season at the club: "He played really well, because he has not played in the position of [Ilkay] Gundogan. His contribution against Nottingham Forest - he changed the game. Really, really good."

  • On Fulham boss Marco Silva: "I admire him a lot. Not just at Fulham, but Watford too. Offensively and defensively, they are very good."

  • When asked whether he will be a Manchester United fan for one day on Sunday when they host City's title rivals Arsenal, he smiled and replied: "I'm a Manchester City fan."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences

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[BBC]

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