Pep Guardiola expresses concern at Manchester City's poor form ahead of aerial bombardment at West Brom: 'We have to win right now'

PEP

 Pep Guardiola admitted his worry of Manchester City’s troubling form and has been briefed by his players and Mikel Arteta on what to expect at West Brom.

Guardiola spoke about the aerial bombardment City will face at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon and pinpointed Salomon Rondon as a threat to his back four.

The Catalan also claimed 'we have to win right now, for the mind of the players' as they go to the Baggies winless in six.

Rondon was referenced three times by Guardiola, who is clearly mindful of the physicality Tony Pulis’ side will pose - something to dawn on him when studying West Brom in recent weeks.

‘It is long ball, it is physical. I saw the game against Tottenham, Liverpool and realised how tough it will be on Saturday,’ Guardiola said.

‘I spoke to my players and Mikel Arteta. They informed me that it is a special, special team. He did a huge job at Stoke City - it was almost impossible to win there. It will be tough.

‘It is high pressing and after that it is very low with very good movement. And after the counter-attacks with (Matty) Phillips and Rondon. The set-pieces with Rondon are strong. They use his style marvellously and we have to adapt in that way.

Bacary Sagna, Kevin De Bruyne and Pablo Zabaleta are all touch and go whether they will make the trip to the Midlands.

Vincent Kompany is thought to be ready after departing the Manchester derby at half-time on Wednesday night, and Guardiola maintained the club captain is in his plans but a first-team spot will be judged on merit once he proves his fitness.

‘He has a contract, no? He has a contract. So of course,’ when asked about his future. ‘What is the problem now about Vincent and the future?

‘He is a Man City player and the reason why he didn’t play the last two seasons regularly was because he was injured many, many times. We are trying to give him faith to play regularly. When he’s fit he is going to have the same options to play as his team-mates.

‘Then it depends on my decision - his quality, performance, everything. All the professional players around the world in different styles and of course in my way and our ideas he can (perform).’