Press news in...

We're in position on Zoom and awaiting the City head coach for today's presser. Updates to come shortly.
----------------------------------------------------------------

DF: You know how much I value the cup competition, we want to be as successful as possible in the FA Cup.

DF: It's a special season and we won't take any risks. It's normal that we rotate but we want to bring a strong starting line-up onto the pitch. We have to find a balance.

DF: Each and every win is good for the mood and reputation and it brings respect from the opponents.

DF: We won't worry about the next round too much yet. Barnsley are a top side, they had many COVID cases when we last played them. They'll be unbelievably difficult to play against tomorrow. They will be motivated, it will be a real battle.

DF: The players have to earn the right to start. We need some fresh energy and recovered legs on the pitch. There are a few players after long-term injuries who need minutes. The most importance topic is that we are there with a strong starting line-up without risking injuries.

DF: In personal terms, there's not the best news. Teemu Pukki and Christoph Zimmermann are unavailable. They'll hopefully be back for Middlesbrough. We will play without Todd Cantwell, he's felt something in his hamstring. He will definitely miss the game.

DF: Bali Mumba returned after isolation yesterday. He's not in his full rhythm yet. Kenny McLean has tested positive, he will have to self-isolate for now. He showed some symptons last night and he will miss the game.

DF: Adam Idah is finished his last days in rehab. We expect him back in full training next week. Xavi Quintilla is improved and will return to the group next week.

DF: Kenny's isolation period has begun. He tested positive with his lateral flow test and then he needs to do the PCR test. But it looks pretty certain.

DF: We have to live with this. We are strict with our principles. He developed some symptons over the last few days and this can happen. We have to adapt.
I doubt there'll be one game in the next few weeks where we aren't affected by the virus.

DF: All our key players will stay with us. We've done proper business, big compliments to our recruitment department and sporting director Stuart Webber who brought in Dimitris Giannoulis.

DF: I don't think there is a big favourite in this game. Barnsley will be keen to go through to the next round but so are we.

DF: Bali is definitely available. It could be too soon for 90 minutes. He played in the last round after a long injury but then tested positive the day after that game.

DF: Bali started his self-isolation three or four days before Xavi. Xavi needs to isolate until next Monday and still has some symptoms. He's definitely not available for tomorrow.

DF: I don't think Todd's injury is too serious. He made us aware on about 70 minutes Wednesday but then we had to substitute Mario Vrancic. I think it's caused by a back problem. But I don't think it's too bad. He should be ready for Middlesbrough but let's see.

DF: Kenny has been in brilliant shape the last few games. He's won duels and drove forward to prepare many situations. Lukas Rupp has been out for seven weeks, he's only been back since Tuesday. I would say this game would be a bit too soon but after this blow with Kenny, I think we need to give him gametime. But we have to be careful with him.

DF: Tim Krul played well on Wednesday, he played well despite not faciing any shots on target. I wouldn't be concerned if Daniel played tomorrow but it's important for Tim to get in his rhythm. He will probably play tomorrow.

DF: We have signed Sebastian Soto for our Under-23s. He didn't play for Hannover last season but he showed lots of promise and that's why we signed him. He had a really good loan at Telstar but we wanted to bring him back to get his work permit sorted. We won't get overexcited with him but everything is possible. We don't want to put too much pressure on his shoulders.

----------------------------------------------------------

That's all from the boss, up the Nodge.

Posted By: DrDublin on January 22nd 2021 at 14:08:57

Message Thread

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.

Log in