Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has returned to training ahead of the weekend’s clash with West Ham. The City boss has missed the past two games after having back surgery and subsequently recuperating at home in Barcelona.
You guessed it! 😍 https://t.co/mq6k9pzBUU pic.twitter.com/h6eqLXF9rA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 13, 2023
In Guardiola’s absence, his assistant Juanma Lillo took charge of City’s Premier League games against Sheffield United and Fulham. The treble winners would win both games without their manager in the dugout to continue their perfect start to the Premier League season.
It will provide the champions with a welcome boost to have their manager back at the club. While the treble winners won both games while Pep recovered from back surgery, he is an inspirational figure for the squad. His presence on the touchline was missed during the past two Premier League games. He kept in touch with the dugout via video calls during the games he missed.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 13, 2023
Juanma Lillo commented on the situation during Pep’s absence. Following City’s win over Sheffield United he told the media he didn’t enjoy stepping into Guardiola’s shoes. He said: “Not at all. I much prefer being with Pep. Especially when it’s a question of health, I don’t enjoy this at all. We miss his presence now more than ever.”
With the Manchester City manager set to return, Lillo can now go back to assisting Pep in the dugout.
Pep Guardiola will be back on media duties at Friday’s press conference before the champions travel to London to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
