Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola opens up on death of his mum and the return of football

Pep Guardiola has lost his mum Dolors Sala Carrio due to Coronavirus. He was backed the notion that football without fans is pointless in the past. But Guardiola welcomed the chance to return to normality. Guardiola’s 82-year-old mum died at the beginning of April after contracting coronavirus. The Manchester City boss, whose team face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, said the return to work has helped him. “I’m happy to come back to this routine,” he said at today’s press conference. “I live personally what everyone else lives. All the people we lost are important. We have families to stay strong with all of us.” When asked what he felt about playing in front of an empty stadium Guardiola suggested that these are unforeseen times. “I think in that moment (when he said it) nobody would expect what would happen - not even the best scientists in the world,” he said. “What is important is the health of the people. In Spain, Germany, England, they have decided we have to play and we are going to play. We have to adapt as players and as a team and we are going to do that as quick as possible.” Guardiola has also been asked about the shape of players. "They came back really well. No complaints. The way we are right now I think other clubs and teams, we don’t know. If you ask me how the team is, I don’t know. Tomorrow we will see the level. From there, we are going to see and suggest what we can do better. What we were worried about over the three weeks is the lack of preparation, not like in Germany or Spain where they worked five or six weeks. All PL teams have three. We know it is not enough but it is what it is. Everyone has to adapt - show owners, restaurants. The players are training good but I don’t know the physical condition. I think we are ready to play one game but three days after another one, and four days after another? We are not ready. That’s why you have to rotate and use all the players," he said.  Source: MEN