Guardiola Admits To Selection Dilemma Over Aguero’s Return To Fitness
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he faces a selection dilemma now that club legend Sergio Aguero is available again for selection.
Aguero has not enjoyed a consistent run in the Manchester City team this season due to a combination of injuries and a coronavirus infection.
Guardiola has found a way to soldier on without the club’s all-time top scorer, with Manchester City currently on a 20-game winning streak across all competitions. The Citizens are still alive in the FA Cup while a League Cup final date with Tottenham Hotspur has been booked for April.
The Citizens also have one leg in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League after earning a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach after the first leg.
Aguero’s fitness issues have seen him make just 11 appearances across all competitions this season but he played 60 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham United.
Guardiola is glad to have his talisman back but is wary of upsetting those who have stepped up in Aguero’s absence.
"We want to help him but at the same time, Raheem (Sterling), Phil (Foden) and Bernardo (Silva) didn't play. I try to handle it for everyone to be involved and part of it," Guardiola said.
"Some players deserved to play but didn't. That is why it is difficult for all the managers when you have a squad.
"You have to be patient and use the good moments as much as possible. Players performing well have more chances to play than the other ones."
"Sergio has been one year injured. It is a lot of time. He played two or three games and then got injured again and was out.
"I always think we need him in this part of the season, in the right moments, because he has a special talent and quality. He's going to help.
"But we have not denied that he needs time. The positive is he played 50-60 minutes and that is good for his legs. He has to continue training good and be positive.
"There will be games that will be tight and difficult and we will need 'Kun'. We need guys who can score a goal and the best guy in those terms is him. He knows it from day one.
"I know Sergio is so important for us. He is the most important person for this club, he scored the most important goal, he was part of all the success."
