Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur - Guardiola denies discussion over Aguero's future

Posted Saturday, January 21, 2017 by PA

Pep Guardiola has denied he and Sergio Aguero have been discussing the player's future at Manchester City.

The City manager was spotted dining with the club's top scorer and his representative in Manchester city centre on Thursday night.

Guardiola insists the meeting was not to speak about contracts.

The former Barcelona boss has been questioned about Aguero's future on a number of occasions this season due to a perception he may not fit into his plans.

Guardiola has always denied there is an issue and said the 28-year-old, who has scored 18 goals this season and 154 since joining the club in 2011, will only leave at a time of his own choosing.

He said: "We didn't speak about the contract. He has already a long contract here. He has a lot of money and wanted to invite his coach to have dinner. That is what it is."

Aguero signed a five-year contract in 2014. There was speculation he had agreed a one-year extension last summer but this has never been confirmed by the club.

Guardiola, who was speaking at a press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham, was also asked about the form of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The Chilean, controversially signed as replacement for England number one Joe Hart earlier this season, has been criticised for his poor form.

The 33-year-old did not make a single save in last week's 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park, with City conceding each time Everton had a shot on target.

On the subject of the keeper's negative press, Guardiola said: "We accept it. It is part of our job - the manager's job, the players' job - so accept it."

On the positive side, the signing of Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus was completed this week and the player will be eligible to play against Spurs at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola said: "He is fit, he is ready to be involved in the squad, in the team. He is a young player, 19 years old, so we cannot think he is going to solve our problems but he is going to help us in the Premier League.

"It would have been easier if he could have arrived at the beginning of the season, now is the middle of the season with not too many training sessions, but he is smart and has quality."

Mauricio Pochettino believes capping 118 years at White Hart Lane by winning the Premier League would prove "the most important thing in Tottenham's history".

Spurs will leave White Hart Lane for one season to play home games at Wembley next term, before returning to a state-of-the-art new stadium at their north London home in 2018.

Pochettino hailed his White Hart Lane "warriors" for defending their prized citadel in remaining unbeaten in home Premier League action so far this term.

Second-placed Tottenham trail Premier League leaders Chelsea by seven points after 21 games but boss Pochettino still believes Spurs can mount a credible title battle.

Asked what it would mean for the club to sign off at White Hart Lane with a Premier League title, Pochettino said: "It would be amazing, the most important thing in Tottenham's history.

"This season we can feel in every game how our fans are excited to spend time at White Hart Lane.

"And you can imagine how tough it will be in a few months when White Hart Lane doesn't exist and we move to Wembley.

"It will be tough for our fans, for the people that love Tottenham.

"It's an energy, an extra that we feel, the players feel."