Pep Guardiola keen for Eric Garcia to extend his contract

Spain international Garcia is in the final year of his contract at City and was linked with a switch back to his boyhood club Barcelona during the close season but Guardiola is keen to keep him in Manchester.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he hopes to convince defender Eric Garcia to extend his contract after handing the 19-year-old a rare start in Wednesday's 3-1 Champions League victory over Porto.

"I know he wanted to leave but he's going to stay and maybe we can seduce him in this year to extend the contract with us," Guardiola told reporters.

"He's a guy who is so stable in many things and we're so happy."

Premier League

'We are in big, big trouble' - Guardiola on Man City injuries and fatigue

13/04/2024 at 09:46

• Liverpool keep clean sheet without Van Dijk, Real get rolled - The Warm-Up
• Opinion: Ajax win hints at how Klopp plans to cope without Van Dijk

Guardiola praises Manchester City players' 'patience'

City's regular centre back Aymeric Laporte is set to resume training on Thursday following an injury while fellow defender Nathan Ake is nursing a groin issue.

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, who slotted into defence at times last season, was ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a leg injury against Porto.

City visit West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday before travelling to Marseille in the Champions League and Guardiola said he needed all hands on deck.

"The schedule is so demanding. We need all the players," he added.

Shock Zidane sacking talk with Real boss 'under pressure' - Euro Papers

Champions League

Guardiola praises Man City's 'incredible personality', gives Foden injury update

09/04/2024 at 23:06

Champions League

Owen says Guardiola 'tactically the best manager on planet, possibly ever'

09/04/2024 at 23:00

Champions League

Exclusive: Guardiola admits ‘relief’ of Champions League success - ‘We are so proud’

09/04/2024 at 13:45