‘If they gain weight, they’ll stay in Manchester’ – Guardiola warns players ahead of Christmas
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“It’s fantastic what he has achieved. There’s no two ways about it,” said Dyche in his pre-match press conference.
“There’s only probably maybe Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex (Ferguson) over him. Massively important, what he has done for himself, his players and football in general. What he’s done has been remarkable in many different ways down the years.”
When speaking about how to combat City’s strengths, Dyche continued: “You need to play very, very well. It’s unlikely, watching them down the years and playing against them many times, that you’re going to dominate the ball, so you have to be defensively sound. You have to do all the hard yards, all the inches that can make a difference.
“You know they’re always prepared, and they’re a good side. And with a top manager.”
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‘For me, a reckless challenge’ – Slot reacts to Van de Ven tackle on Isak
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Dyche’s men head into the clash with City having lost three of their last five Premier League games, leaving them 17th in the table heading into the weekend.
“You have to park things pretty quickly,” he explained.
“And I think the group have done well overall, and wasn’t a million miles off last night, but you know, we all talk about the margins, the 1% added across a team and we didn’t find those moments.
“Sometimes you need someone to do something that ignites everyone else. It just seemed that everyone was waiting for each other to do something, so it happens.
“I don’t think it was a performance that loses you a game, but I don’t think it was one that could win you either.”
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Highlights: Jesus strikes late to give Forest historic away win
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With the January transfer window around the corner, attention inevitably turned to potential incomings next month.
However, Dyche quelled any excitement after a busy summer window, which included the big-money additions of Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye and James McAtee.
“I think it’s unlikely to be a big window,” he explained.
“The club spent a lot of money getting ready for this challenge in the Europa League and the Premier League and whatever comes in the other cups.
“I think it’s unlikely. But this club, on the other hand, have shown that if things become available at the right time and the right people are involved, then it can happen. But I think after the big investment in the summer, it’ll be a slow window.
“But you never know. Like I say, you’ve got to be aware of the shift in the market, which we certainly will be.”
After hosting Guardiola’s men on Saturday, Dyche’s side conclude the calendar year by hosting Everton on December 30.
How to watch Nottingham Forest v Man City?
Nottingham Forest will host Manchester City on Saturday, December 27, at City Ground.
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