Zinchenko an incredibly strong guy - Guardiola amid Ukraine crisis

Pep Guardiola

believes

Oleksandr Zinchenko

is “an incredibly strong guy” for his support amid the crisis that is happening in his country Ukraine.

The full-back became part of a group in Manchester that demonstrated against invasion of Ukraine by Russia on Thursday.

Zinchenko showed his support on Instagram for his compatriots and condemns what Vladimir Putin is doing, who imposed military action on Thursday.

The

manager does not have any problems choosing Zinchenko for the battle against

on Saturday.

"

We spoke personally with him and everyone has spoken,"

Guardiola said.

"These are headlines today all around the world, and it's a concern but Aleks is an incredibly strong guy.

"It's not easy, but yesterday in training, he was brilliant. He is ready to play if he has to."

When quizzed about Zinchenko attending the Manchester vigil, Guardiola said:

"What would you do if someone abroad attacked the UK?

"It's how he feels. What happened in Yugoslavia, no-one did anything. Around the world, there are many wars. It's a pity. Innocent people will die when they just want to live in peace.

"All around the world, you want a house, to sleep well, food on the table, movies, food, someone to love. When you are not involved, they attack your country, and it should be complicated to arrive at this point.

"Always innocent people pay the terrible price, the decisions of one or two people; still we don't learn what happened in the past. Right now in Syria, many places. At the end, the strong part always kills the weak one."

City’s run of 15 unbeaten matches in the

came to an end when they were defeated 3-2 at the hands of Tottenham, Harry Kane met the back of the net in the injury time after Riyad Mahrez made it 2-2 through a penalty.

With Liverpool’s thumping 6-0 victory over Leeds United means that City lead Jurgen Klopp’s side at the top of the table by only three points with 12 games left.

"

When we were champions, it wasn't in December or January,"

Guardiola said.

"[On Thursday] We saw Wolves-Arsenal, so intense, they are so good. What's next? Try to win the next game.

"Why should I not be excited? I'm more than delighted to be in this position. We want to defend it, attack better and try to win games. It's so tough, I saw yesterday the game, how Tottenham played the last game. Every game is so difficult.

"What we achieved in the last years, the contenders are so intense. From the start of the season, I couldn't expect it wouldn't be what it is now.

"I'm more than grateful we're better than I thought at the start of the season. The way we defend some situations, we didn't deserve to win, trying to attack when defending teams in this way.

"A football teams never ends, is never finished. Every time we can go to training to do better. Otherwise, it would be so boring. I never felt it would be over. We want to be there and this is what I want from my team."

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