Pep Guardiola says Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will play in the fifth round of Manchester City’s FA Cup in Peterborough on Tuesday. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Zinchenko was an unused replacement for City’s win over Everton on Saturday. The 25-year-old attended an anti-war vigil in central Manchester after the invasion and sent a since-deleted message on social media that was fiercely critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zinchenko was moved to tears by Everton fans’ support for Ukraine during City’s Premier League game at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Although the left-back did not play on that occasion, Guardiola revealed on Monday that he is in the right mood to return when City visit Championship fighters Peterborough.
“I think it will be good for him to play and show why he is here. He is a great player and should play football,” Guardiola said.
Zinchenko has added his voice to calls to exclude Russia from international sport.
He shared a statement on Instagram calling on governing bodies to ban Russia and its athletes from international competitions and impose restrictions on the country on media and sponsorship.
City head to Peterborough after six points clear of the Premier League title with the controversial 1-0 win over Everton.
Phil Foden’s goal in the 82nd minute proved decisive, but Everton felt they should have been awarded a late penalty for handball to Rodri.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, but referee Paul Tierney’s original decision stood.
Even Guardiola now admits City have been lucky and said: “Dele Alli’s pass looks offside, but Richarlison, if he’s not offside, it’s a penalty.”
Guardiola, whose side were defeated by Tottenham in their previous appearance, urged his players to rebuild their momentum with another win against Peterborough.
“It’s only one game. If we lose the next game, the momentum will be over,” he said.
“All the while, Goodison Park has been difficult for us. The celebrations were exceptional because we knew how difficult it was, a great example of what we will face in the last 11 games of the Premier League.”
“Every match will be quite similar. We will have to suffer and struggle and we will be able to face it.”
There was also a top flight management departure over the weekend with Marcelo Bielsa, a long-time role model for Guardiola, sacked by Leeds.
“I’m so sorry for him. His legacy is there, in the city and club of Leeds, and I’m pretty sure with the players. His influence is huge,” Guardiola said.
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“Unfortunately, all managers are subject to results, and maybe they weren’t good, but the matches played in Leeds over three or four seasons were spectacular to watch and I wish him all the best for the future.”
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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