Pep Guardiola explains Man City team selection after changes ahead of Real Madrid tie

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City's squad must be ready to make an impact on all fronts after making four changes against Everton.

The Spaniard has rotated his starting XI from the midweek draw with Real Madrid ahead of the return fixture in Manchester this week. Guardiola has rested Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish whilst John Stones is also on the bench.

Aymeric Laporte comes into the defence alongside Ruben Dias, with Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden drafted into attack behind Erling Haaland. Nathan Ake remains on the sidelines after missing the first leg at the Bernabeu.

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With Guardiola having to juggle several competitions at this crucial stage of the season, changes were inevitable at Goodison Park, especially with such a compact schedule. Real Madrid beat Getafe on Saturday evening and made changes to their team too.

On the changes, Guardiola insisted City's entire squad have to be ready to contribute. City lead Arsenal by one point in the title race but have a game in hand, ahead of kick-off at Goodison Park.

"We have until the end of the season every three days, and everybody has to try to be involved," he told Sky Sports.

"The message is to win today. To try and attack the game, I have been very impressed in the last games, it is always difficult at Goodison Park but we know what we have to do."

"He’s much better, but no, not for today," he added on Ake's fitness.

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