Kolo Toure Explains Why Pep Guardiola Missed Man City Press Conference Before Crystal Palace Game

Manchester City assistant manager Kolo Toure faced the media on Friday as he stood in for boss Pep Guardiola.

Toure delivered some key team news and also had his say on City’s position in the Premier League title race with Arsenal — his former club.

But one of the first questions the former City defender had to answer was why he was sitting in front of the cameras instead of Guardiola.

Why Pep Guardiola missed Man City press conference ahead of Crystal Palace trip

Guardiola was absent from Friday’s press conference due to what City described as a personal matter.

However, Toure was quick to play down any concerns and confirmed that the City boss will be back on the touchline for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

“Yeah, Pep is fine,” Toure said. “It’s a small matter that didn’t bring him here but everything is fine.

“He will be back for the Palace game for sure.”

The assistant manager added that Guardiola remains fully involved behind the scenes, despite missing media duties.

Kolo Toure calls Pep Guardiola “the best manager in the world”

Toure also took the opportunity to heap praise on Guardiola as City continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

City go into the weekend just two points behind the Gunners, who last won the title in 2004 when Toure made 37 league appearances under Arsene Wenger in the famous “Invincibles” team.

The Gunners earned 90 points in 2003/04. That was — and still is — a club record tally, but current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently set his points target above 90 points as he aims to win his latest battle with City.

When asked about Arsenal on Friday, Toure replied: “I think for us we just focus on what we can do. We know the quality of Arsenal, they have a really strong squad and a fantastic manager, but it is all down to us.

“We have the best manager in the world who is doing an incredible job every day. His passion for the game, he loves the players, he loves his staff. We know he will take us as far as we can to win that league.”

Toure added: “We aren’t focusing on what Arsenal are doing. Every game is like a final for us.”

Kolo Toure on Crystal Palace: “They are a top team”

City’s next so-called “final” comes away at Selhurst Park on Sunday, where they will face a Crystal Palace side currently ranked fourth in the Premier League table.

Only Arsenal — tipped as possible quadruple contenders — have conceded fewer Premier League goals than Palace, who have already shown their class by beating reigning English champions Liverpool in three different competitions this season.

Toure acknowledged the challenge posed by Palace but backed City to deliver if they play to their strengths.

“They are a top team, they are really good,” he said. “They are fourth in the league and they are second best at the moment at conceding goals.

“But for us we focus on what we can do. We know if we play our football, be consistent and work hard as a team, we can beat any team in this league for sure.”

Man City team news: Rodri ruled out, update on John Stones

Toure also provided an update on City’s injury situation ahead of the Palace match.

On John Stones, he said: “The players are off today and tomorrow. When everybody comes back we will know more about the players.

“It was his thigh, I think. It wasn’t something too big. He will be back soon.”

Meanwhile, Rodri will definitely miss Sunday’s fixture as he continues his recovery.

“Rodri is training really well,” Toure explained. “He is doing his rehab really well and he looks sharper and sharper every day.

“But I don’t think we are going to see him this weekend. He is in the process, definitely.”