Man City: Oleksandr Zinchenko ‘ready to play’ vs Everton despite Ukraine invasion, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko is ‘worried’ about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the defender is ‘ready to play’ against Everton this weekend despite the troubling scenes in his home country

  • Pep Guardiola says Oleksandr Zinchenko is ready to play for Man City vs Everton
  • Zinchenko’s home country Ukraine is currently under attack from Russia
  • Guardiola says the player is naturally ‘worried’ about the situation in his country 


Pep Guardiola says Oleksandr Zinchenko has the full support of the Manchester City dressing room after admitting the defender is ‘worried’ about the troubling situation back in home country Ukraine.

Ukraine has been under attack from Russia since Thursday morning, with Vladimir Putin sending shockwaves through the continent when he ordered troops to invade their Eastern European neighbours.

Zinchenko wrote on Instagram shortly after the attack that he hopes Putin suffers ‘the most painful suffering death’, before the post was later deleted. 

Pep Guardiola says Oleksandr Zinchenko has the full support of the Man City dressing room

Guardiola said ahead of City’s clash with Everton on Saturday: ‘He (Zinchenko) is worried. He has family and friends. If they are killing innocent people in your country how would you feel? 

‘He has our support. That is normal.’

When asked if Zinchenko is in the right frame of mine to play against Everton, Guardiola said: ‘We spoke about all of this. I spoke with him, everyone, the friends. 

‘These are the headlines all around the world, it’s a concern. Oleks is incredibly strong, a really brilliant guy. Of course it’s not easy but today and yesterday in training he was brilliant. 

‘He’s ready to play incase he has to play.’

Russia launching an all-out attack to invade Zinchenko's home country Ukraine on Thursday

Russia launching an all-out attack to invade Zinchenko’s home country Ukraine on Thursday

Guardiola has reassured Zinchenko that he has City's full support amid the worrying scenes

Guardiola has reassured Zinchenko that he has City’s full support amid the worrying scenes

On Thursday night, Zinchenko attended a vigil in Manchester city center to protest against Russian’s invasion of his home country.

Guardiola added: ‘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 kill the weak one.’

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