Are Zinchenko and Martinelli both out for tomorrow?
No they’re not ruled, but we will see tomorrow what we decide.
How important is to top the group and beat PSV?
It’s really important. In Europe when you have the chance to take an advantage you have to do it because it’s always very unpredictable. You don’t know what will happen in the other games, you have to go away and we know the level of the other teams as well. What I can say watching them back and what they’re doing domestically and internationally it’s going to be difficult.
You could have been playing City tonight. Do you think it suits you that you’re not?
It’s what it is obviously. The fixtures and the amount of games that we have we’re going to have to play everybody. We had to change the schedule and we’ve adapted to that.
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Van Nistelrooy is back at Arsenal. Do you think he’ll get a tough reception from the Arsenal fans?
I wasn’t involved at the time at the club obviously. You can tell the history of these two clubs and the rivalry that was generated at the time because they were two excellent teams but I don’t know.
How easy is it to keep control in the heat of matches and do managers have a wide responsibility to the game?
We do have a responsibility not only with the referees but with the game as well and the way we want it played and respected. To talk about other managers, I have enough just looking after my own behaviour and trying to do the right things for our club. It’s very intense, there are moments where it gets very heated, where VAR has to step in and there’s a lot of controversy and there are a lot of moments where the result is up in the air because of a decision. It’s not easy to manage but of course we have big responsibilities on that.
Have there ever been instances in a game where you thought you’ve let yourself down in games?
If I have to watch myself after a match probably there are things I would do different. Even the way you talk to your own players a lot of the time there are things you would do differently. It’s something we have to learn and we’re all conscious of it but sometimes the heat of the game makes you behave in certain ways.
There was a game last season where you showed the players pictures of that Van Nistelrooy incident. Is that the kind of contest you want your teams to be in?
Where we want to be is at the top and the best team in this country. In order to do that you will meet teams that want to beat you and build that rivalry to a different level. We are already experiencing things like that.
Do players get affected by big managers reacting on the touchline?
It is a question more for the players. A team is a reflection of the manager in many ways. That is why there is a responsibility for the way we do things.
Was your falling out with Klopp the reason you lost vs Liverpool last season?
I don’t have a clue. If we had scored a one v one with Lacazette it wouldn’t have, but because conceded a set piece and then what happened in the second half happened it did.
How is Gabriel after the Henderson incident?
He is OK.
Are you worried about Zinchenko with how long he’s been out for?
No I don’t think so, but he had a recurring injury in his calf. That’s why he’s been out for this period.
Do you think he’ll be back for the World Cup?
Yes.
What do you make of Cody Gakpo? Does he have the qualities to be successful in the Premier League?
Yeah but I’m not here to talk about other players from other teams.
Gabriel likes to play on the edge. Do you like that side to his game or does it worry you a bit?
If you know how to manage a situation and where the limits are within the rules. That’s something very personal because of the character of a player but being always very aware that that line is very thin.
Do you think he came close to crossing that line against Leeds?
We were very close because they had to make a decision that was overruled by the VAR.
Did you enjoy you’re relaxing meal after Leeds?
Yes I did.
It was quite a stressful game wasn’t it?
Watching it back obviously there were some periods – especially in the second half – where we put ourselves in trouble. So yeah it was very tense, but we got what we wanted. Tomorrow it will be a different game.
Do you feel a change in the dressing room?
Winning obviously helps but I have no complaints. This is an exceptional group and we want to get better on what we’re doing but I think we’re on the right path.
What do you make of Ramsdale winding up opposition fans?
I haven’t noticed it.
What does he need to do to become England no 1?
He needs to be the best that he possibly can for us. Then it’s Gareth and his coaching staff who’ll make that decision.
Would you rather be playing City or PSV tonight?
I don’t have a choice, we have to play PSV so it’s PSV tomorrow.
Would you have liked to play City in the form you’re in?
We knew from a few weeks back what the schedule was and we have to play in the Europa League as well.
What do you make of PSV?
I think they’re a really good team. What Ruud has done, the way they play, the amount of goals they score. The way they’ve played both domestically and in the Europa League, they are a really dangerous team.
Will you go for a strong team or a rotated side for PSV?
We will make decision tomorrow.
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